RYAN FLYNN — Special to Southern News
In a game decided by a single kick, it was the unlikeliest of heroes who led SCSU to victory over Southern New Hampshire University. With Suzane Pires shaken up, freshman Stephanie Santos stepped up to attempt a penalty kick in the 51st minute, and pushed it through with ease.
SCSU won the game 1-0.
“Stephanie can strike the ball well.” Head Coach Adam Cohen said. “She’s young, but she’s technically very good, and she knows how to strike the ball.”
The SCSU women’s soccer team entered the game with an opening record of 3-0, with each win coming in shut-out fashion. Similar results were expected on this night, and the Owls didn’t disappoint. Southern seemed in complete control throughout the game, with five shots on goal compared to only one for Southern New Hampshire.
“I just think that the team is playing as one, and they seem very focused and driven.” Cohen said. “They all have the same goals and the same objectives.”
Early in the second half, SCSU finally got on the board. Suzane Pires was fouled, and unable to take the penalty kick. Luckily, there was a breakout freshman waiting in the wings.
“It was actually a direct kick from outside the box and Sue made a good run; she got fouled and we’d been practicing free kicks in practice, me and her.” Santos said. “I was ready to take that and it just felt great.”
This score, which turned out to be the difference in the game, was Santos’ first collegiate goal.
“It was awesome,” Santos said. “To have all my teammates there to support me; it was great. I was so happy.”
SCSU improved their record to 4-0, once again getting a win in shutout fashion. Everything seems to be working for them, especially on the defensive end.
“I think we have great team chemistry this year,” Senior forward Allison Ditolla said. “We’re really putting an emphasis on one- and two-touch, so we’re trying to play quickly and I think that’s what’s working for us.”
