Riverdale, NY - The Dolphins' fantastic run came to an end in the final game.
The University of Mount Saint Vincent's women's soccer team achieved the incredible task of reaching the Skyline Conference championship game for the second straight season, and were looking to earn the program's second ever title. The formidable Farmingdale State College Rams were looking to do the same, and it was the visitors who would eventually earn the conference crown. The fantastic back and forth battle ended with the Rams on top by the score of 2-1.
The Rams were on top of the possession battle over the course of the first half. UMSV's defense, however, stifled Farmingdale at each chance. Standout goalkeeper
Javiera Sanchez continued her tremendous play with three first half saves.
The Dolphins would turn up the tempo over the final 45 minutes of play, as they would take 11 shots compared to Farmingale's six. But just 15 minutes into the half, it would be the Rams who would strike first, as Kayla Mendez would sneak past
Gisselle Soria and put one past a diving Sanchez to put her team up by a goal.
UMSV would continue to get good looks but failed to convert. That was, however, until the 73 minute mark, when First Team All-Skyline recipient
Alicia Rodriguez was fouled, setting up a set piece for junior Dana DeDomincis. The Second Team All-Skyline honoree placed a beautiful ball towards the net that soared over Farmingdale's goalkeeper to tie the game at one apiece.
Instead of losing hope, the Rams would instead gain the momentum back just minutes later when Mendez secured her second strike of the game despiste being in some traffic at the top of the box. The score would sit at 2-1.
UMSV continued to charge down the field over the final seven minutes of play. A hard foul against Rodriguez would result in a penalty kick for the Dolphins, with the chance to tie the game with less than two minutes on the clock. Freshman
Grace Kennedy would get the goal, but Hailey Stork, the eventual recipient of the Most Outstanding Player award, made the terrific save to close out the game.
The Dolphins once again put together a fantastic campaign. Time will only tell, but the program has all the makings of a Skyline powerhouse for years to come.