Women’s soccer battled Columbia to a double overtime 0-0 tie on Friday at Columbia. Each team had 22 shots but the Seawolves played the better game, leading Coach Sue Ryan to say that it was ‘our best effort of the year thus far.’

Columbia controlled the first 10 minutes of the game until Stony Brook took charge. Brooke Barbuto had a terrific opportunity to score but was denied by the keeper. In a span of five minutes, Jackie Timmes and Danielle Tenaglia each narrowly missed chances to score by hitting the crossbar. Trine Allenberg continued the onslaught with a strong shot that was just tipped away by the keeper.

In the 68th minute Aisling Toolan fired a shot but it met the far post. Minutes later, the keeper deflected Toolan’s shot, Stony Brook’s last solid chance to score, off the crossbar.

Seawolves keeper Marisa Viola made 9 saves, two coming off of tough, one-on-one opportunites.

Coach Ryan believes that her team took the next step. ‘Columbia‘s RPI is in the 60’s,’ speaking of the index used to measure strength of schedule, ‘ours is in the 100’s. They are considered the best Ivy League school. They won the championship last year.’

Asked what she would like to see her team improve on Coach Ryan did not hesitate. ‘I’d like to see us stay with the game plan in crucial situations. We were so passionate to score but we are a possession oriented team.’

This was Stony Brook’s second double overtime tie in a row. But if Stony Brook continues to improve then some of these ties may well become victories. ‘We outran Columbia and each of our last three opponents has been ‘statistically’ better but we haven’t lost to any of them,’ said Coach Ryan.

The women’s next game is Wednesday at 7 PM. vs. Manhattan. The game will be hosted by Stony Brook.

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