Zsani Kajan scored the Red Storm’s lone goal. (Photo courtesy of St. John’s SID)
HARRISONBURG, Va. – Only five minutes away from securing a road victory at James Madison University, the St. John’s University women allowed the equalizer and then the game-winner in sudden-death extratime to register a 2-1 defeat Sunday afternoon.
Claire Meiser knotted things up at 1-1 in the 85th minute.
Ginger Deel buried a shot from close range with 32 seconds remaining in the extra period to end the game.
The Red Storm registered a quality opportunity in the first extratime period, as freshman Isabelle Aviza had a good look at goal, but was turned away by the goalkeeper.
Zsani Kajan, the Red Storm’s leading scorer last season, found the back of the net for the first time this season in the 54th minute on St. John’s first shot of the game. Jessica Garziano, the freshman from Melville, N.Y., played a through ball into the box for Kajan, who rounded the keeper before sending the ball to the bottom right corner for a 1-0 lead. It was Garziano’s first career assist.
Red Storm goalkeeper Naya Lipkens put forth a solid effort, making eight saves.
James Madison outshot the Johnnies, 20-3. Eleven of those attempts were on target, compared to two for the visitors.
St. John’s welcomes Yale University to Belson Stadium its home opener Friday at 7 p.m.
