UNION — The Kean University women’s soccer team produced one of its most dramatic performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, storming back with three goals in the final 10 minutes to defeat New Jersey City University, 3–2, in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) play at Alumni Stadium.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Cougars found themselves in early trouble after NJCU capitalized on a quick start. The Gothic Knights opened the scoring in the ninth minute when Gineth Martinez finished a low cross from Arianna Chavez to put the visitors ahead 1–0. Chavez remained a creative force, setting up another goal in the 23rd minute when she linked up with Sarah Reyes, whose touch set up Nyrohah Alvarenga to double NJCU’s advantage.
Kean created several promising moments before halftime but couldn’t find a breakthrough, as NJCU controlled much of the possession and pace of play. The Gothic Knights entered the break with a 2–0 lead, outshooting the Cougars 12–4 through the opening 45 minutes.
Cougars Come Alive Late
After a frustrating start to the second half, Kean began to turn the tide. Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Carly Gleason was fouled in the box following a handball by NJCU’s Kyanah Belle Jean-Louis. The junior forward stepped up and buried the penalty kick, sparking new life into the Cougars’ attack.
Just five minutes later, Gleason struck again to bring Kean level. Midfielder Ella Petrosh delivered a perfectly weighted ball over the top, and Gleason outran her defender before calmly finishing past the NJCU keeper to tie the score at 2–2 in the 86th minute.
Kean’s momentum carried straight into the final minute of regulation. Off a long Stephanie Monroe free kick, the ball took a single bounce inside the box, where Petrosh pounced and slotted home the game-winning goal in the 87th minute to complete the stunning turnaround.
Inside the Numbers
Despite being outshot 21–11 and trailing 9–6 in shots on goal, Kean made the most of its opportunities. Corner kicks were even at 3–3, while the Cougars’ defensive organization and resilience kept them within striking distance until the late surge.
Gleason led all players with four shots, scoring twice and drawing the penalty that ignited Kean’s comeback. Petrosh added a goal and an assist, while Monroe contributed the crucial setup on the decisive strike. Senior goalkeeper Madison Gesualdo anchored the defense with seven saves, including several key stops that prevented NJCU from extending its lead earlier in the match.
What’s Next
With the win, Kean improves to (7-4-1) overall and (2-2) in NJAC play, extending its winning streak to three matches. NJCU falls to (7-5-1) overall and (0-3-1) in the conference.
The Cougars will look to keep their momentum going on Wednesday, October 15, when they travel to Rutgers–Newark for another NJAC matchup. The Gothic Knights will also hit the road that day, visiting Ramapo College in search of their first conference victory.
