The St. John’s women’s soccer team not only had to battle the dreary weather last night at Belson Stadium, but also a Columbia team out to prove themselves a worthy local rival.

The final score would prove this to be true. The game ended in a scoreless tie in after two overtime periods. The Red Storm (3-1-1) and the Lions (2-1-1) both formed drives and started fast breaks that only resulted in constant turnovers.

Just when St. John’s looked as if they were going to gain control on offense, Columbia used double teams to slow them down. Forward Amanda Santos took three of the nine shots that the Red Storm attempted. In the second half, the junior sent a screaming kick that soared above Lions’ goalkeeper Rebecca Taylor. Santos leads the team in shots this season.

St. John’s has been tremendous on defense this season, not allowing more than a goal in each of their first five contests. The Lions only managed three first-half shots against the Storm’s flat back four, but had registered 16 at the end of the 120 minutes.

Goalkeeper Kristin Russell showed off her athletic ability and instinct by swatting away the ball with one hand to avoid giving up her second goal of the season. She finished the game with eight saves, four coming in the two overtime periods.
Columbia midfielder Sophie Reiser led her team against the Red Storm as she took eight of the team’s shots, five of which were on goal. They were all saved by Russell.

The Storm also had eight corner kicks in the game, which they failed to capitalize on. Their offense has not scored more than a goal in any game this season.

The St. Johns NYC Nike Classic will come to an end this Sunday when they take on the Quinnipiac Bobcats.