BOX SCORE Box Score

WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven women’s soccer team was eliminated from the 2010 Northeast-10 Conference Tournament on Sunday afternoon, as the Chargers dropped a 5-0 decision to No. 1 nationally ranked Saint Rose at R. Mark and Kathleen Sullivan Field. With the loss, UNH concluded its campaign with an overall record of 9-8-2, while the Golden Knights remain perfect, improving to 18-0 on the season.

The nation’s second ranked offense took control early on in this one, grasping a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute of play. Christina Cuffari collected the ball outside of the 18 yard box and launched a shot over Kim Taylor for her ninth goal of the season.

However the visiting Chargers would respond quickly, generating the game’s next chance some four minutes later. New Haven strung together several passes on the Golden Knights side of the field, eventually landing at the feet of Holly Dawson. Dawson laced a shot towards the upper right corner of the goal, but unfortunately had the attempt denied by the outstretched arms of Deanna Esposito.

Saint Rose bounced back after the scare and proceeded to score its second goal of the match five minutes later. Kimberly Morton snuck a shot just underneath the crossbar on a feed from Sydney Bond, granting the home team a 2-0 advantage. Six minutes after that, the halftime whistle sounded; leaving a 2-0 Golden Knights lead.

After the break in action, the New Haven offense created the next chance within the first five minutes. Senior Emily Buckley-Matura received the ball on the right side of the penalty area and ripped a shot towards net. The ball beat Esposito buck ricocheted off the crossbar and out for a goal kick.

The Golden Knights battled back and put away the first goal of the second half minutes later. Nicola D’Errico put the home team in front 3-0 with her sixth goal of the campaign, as Bond and Amanda Deck provided the assist. Saint Rose added two more goals from Brittany Godin and Carmellino Puopolo solidifying a 5-0 final score. The Golden Knights now play the winner of the American International and Southern New Hampshire game on Wednesday afternoon.

Kim Taylor made nine saves in the losing effort, concluding a stellar season between the posts for the Chargers.