Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women’s soccer team played Elmira to a 1-1 draw this afternoon at Harkness Field. Both goals were scored in the second half, with the Soaring Eagles (2-12-1 overall; 1-6-0 Empire 8) notching the equalizing goal in the 86th minute. The Red Hawks finish the season with a 6-10-2 overall record (1-6-0 in the Liberty League).

The game was scoreless through 45 minutes of play, with few scoring chances for either side. Rensselaer held a slight edge in play, out-shooting the Soaring Eagles 9-3, and taking the only corner kick of the opening frame.

The Red Hawks delivered the best two chances to score by either team in the first half. The first opportunity came when senior defender Kristy Kolb’s (East Greenbush, NY/Columbia) shot hit the post from a free kick in the 9th minute. Her blast from 30 yards from goal hit the outside of the left post and caromed out for a goal kick.

In the 24th minute, senior Sarah Hinz (Swanzey, NH/Monadnock) crossed a ball on the ground to Judy Kastner (West Islip, NY/West Islip), who’s far post shot was stopped by a diving effort from Elmira goalkeeper Meaghan Doherty (Albany, NY/Albany).

The Soaring Eagles best opportunity of the first half came on a shot by Laurie Teske (East Syracuse, NY/East Syracuse-Minoa Central) 25 yards from goal, which was saved by Rensselaer freshman goalie Meghan White (Kingston, NY/Kingston).

Kastner untied the game in the 74th minute, when she blasted a shot into the upper left corner of the net from just outside the 18-yard area. The goal, which was unassisted, was her fourth of the season.

Elmira answered in the 85th minute as senior Erinn Prestidge (Macedon, NY/Gananda) redirected a free kick from Jessica Talbot (Gilbertsville, NY/Gilbertsville Mt. Upton) past White for the tying goal. The free kick was set up by a Red Hawks foul just outside box.

Kastner had a chance to win the game as time expired, but her shot ran just wide of the far post as the buzzer sounded.

Neither side was able to mount much offense in the two overtime periods, with the Red Hawks edging Elmira 2-1 in shots in extra time. White finished with four saves for Rensselaer. Doherty made seven stops in net for the Soaring Eagles.

The game was the last of the year for Rensselaer. Elmira plays its final game of the regular season on Saturday afternoon when it hosts RIT (4pm).