Women’s Soccer Still Undefeated

Bobby Colla

Staff Writer

“Total control” is the only way to describe the 10-0 Hudson Valley win over Clinton on Saturday in the pouring rain. This win improves the Vikings’ overall record to 6-0.

“We just want to keep [the winning] going,” said Vikings forward Tiara Kruzinski.

The Vikings scored eight goals by halftime, and kept the ball away from their goalkeeper the whole game. “I don’t think she touched the ball.” said Kruzinski.

Emily Wickert, Colleen Bowden, and Alison Wimmer each scored two goals, while Megan Kluball, Morgan Bailey, Mattia Robustiano, and Kruzinski each had one.

“We wanted to score as many goals as possible early,” said Vikings defender Kailin Pigliavento, “so we could just relax and play defense.”

“We surprised [Clinton],” said Head Coach Jay Pokines, “we scored in the first 22 seconds of the game.”

“I think the weather had something to do with Clinton’s play,” he added. “They just seemed to collapse against us.”

The Vikings did hold off to just two goals in the second half despite having the ball on their offensive end for most of the half. “The whole second half was all possession , holding on to the ball, and working on passing to feet,” said Pokines.

The Vikings are currently ranked ninth in Division III NJCAA Women’s Soccer, and helped their case by posting their fifth shutout in six games. In the one game Hudson Valley didn’t shut their opponent out, they won 2-1 in overtime. The Vikings currently have a goal difference of +28 in just six games, and have averaged just under 5 goals a game.

“We’ve had a great start to the season,” said Pokines. “Now we are getting ready for Mohawk Valley.”

The Vikings’ next two opponents include the number two ranked Mohawk Valley Hawks, and the number four ranked Herkimer Generals.