Box Score

Purchase, NY (Oct. 20, 2012) – Senior co-captain Abigail Katz saved her 50th career goal for Senior Day – possibly the final home game of her career coming into Saturday's action at Purchase – and, with the dramatic stage already set, the midfielder's early, first-half goal looked like it would be the difference in a near one goal final against rival Old Westbury, but in a shocking turnaround, the rival Panthers scored twice inside the final 10 minutes, stealing a 2-1 win.

Old Westbury trailed the entire game and then scored in the 79th minute. JoAnna Kettell tied the game off a free kick. The goal was assisted by Morgan Zuhoski. Shortly later, Zuhoski netted the game-winning score, tapping in a goal right in front of the net off a deflection. The goal came in the 81st minute.  

Old Westbury would then hold on in a shocker. Despite the loss, Purchase has clinched a postseason berth and the Panthers are primed for a playoff run, showing their mettle daily throughout the season.

As for the early score that appeared to be the stuff that Hollywood scripts are penned from, Katz (SR/Livingston, NJ) almost pulled the magical finish by having her 50th career goal by the game-winning score. In the 39th minute of the first, Katz, off a free kick, volleyed a ball in, blasting it past OW goalkeeper Caitlin Thomas for the early margin. The crowd erupted, and Katz' record-setting goal was announced over the public address.  

Purchase led 1-0 at half and for about 80 minutes before the visitors finally broke through.

Panther rookie Kristy Colangelo (FR/Staten Island, NY) was strong in goal, notching 10 saves, including several highlight reel stops in the first half.      

Following the game, Purchase recognized Katz and fellow senior Alyssa Rosado (SR/Brooklyn, NY). Sports Information Director Bobby Ciafardini presided over the brief ceremony, which featured tokens of appreciation, balloons, sweets and a host of memories.

Ciafardini, acting as event MC, recalled many of the accomplishments of the senior duo. Rosado, a literature major and “tireless worker on the soccer field,” will be sorely missed, while Katz is arguably “among the best to ever wear the Orange and Blue,” totaling more goals in a single season (22) than any in Purchase history, and setting a program record for most in a career, since the Panthers rejoined the NCAA. Needless to say, Katz, like Rosado, will be “very tough to replace.”

The Panthers will wrap the regular season with matchups against WestConn and Yeshiva. Regardless of the final standings, which will be better determined by day's end and early next week, Purchase has clinched one of the six postseason spots.