Women's Soccer Defeats Brooklyn College in Home Opener

Panther rookie Michelle Gomez nets the game-winner against Brooklyn on Sept. 12 - PHOTO BY ANDREW HOHL / SPORTS INFORMATION (courtesy of Purchase College Athletics)

By Dylan Flynn

Purchase Women’s Soccer (3-0-0) won their home opener against Brooklyn College (0-2-1) 3-1 Thursday night. The deciding goal was scored 12 minutes into the second half. Sophomore, Michelle Gomez sent a ball to the net that slipped through the hands of the Brooklyn goaltender and gave the Panthers a 2-1 lead.

“We made some adjustments after the first half,” said Coach Julie Grutzner about how the Panthers were able to secure the victory. “They were winning all the 50/50 balls, but Rebecca gave us some momentum scoring that first goal. Unfortunately we gave them an opportunity to score, but we bounced right back.”

A minute prior to Gomez’ goala scramble for the ball right in front of the Purchase net resulted in a penalty kick for Brooklyn. Rachel Gomez converted the kick and tied the score at one.

Purchase sophomore Rebecca Colgan tallied two goals in the victory. Her first goal came with two minutes left in the first half, giving the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Colgan added her second goal five minutes after Gomez, scoring off of a great pass from Gomez.

“We want to try to shoot early and shoot often,” said Grutzner about what she wants from her team in the future. “If you can set the tone by scoring early it puts the other team on their heels.”

The Panthers will look to extend their winning streak Wednesday, Sept. 18 when they travel to Jersey City to square off with New Jersey City University.