Matched up against the Fairleigh Dickinson University Devils, the Drew University Women’s soccer team managed a 1-0 victory over their Madison Avenue rival for the second consecutive year on Sept. 24. Drew’s defense was airtight throughout the entirety of the match, creating chances for the offense to put continual pressure on their opponents until a goal was eventually scored in their second shutout of the year.
The first half kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as the offense battled to get the ball in the net, each time just barely being kicked past the posts and out of bounds. Forward Alexa Krause (‘25) led many attacks approaching the goalie box, swiftly dribbling just out of defenders’ grasp all night. Krause ultimately took eight shots during the game and provided an essential assist in the second half. With every ball that almost landed in the net, the audience expressed a chorus of disappointment, growing more antsy with each one.
When the ball eventually did make it to Drew’s home side of the field, goalkeeper Sarah Crowley (‘27) promptly halted any opportunities and sent it back to the other half with just one punt. No goals were scored on her throughout the whole game, making it her second clean sheet of the season.
One corner kick by the Devils went straight into Crowley’s gloves, allowing her to send it right back up the field for the offense to carry. Defender Nicole Czarnecki (‘27) played with remarkable agility and dedication, rushing to any ball that came near to prevent it from making any progress towards the goal. Czarnecki’s efforts alongside her fellow defenders played a key role in limiting shot attempts from the Devils, making attempted shots few and far between.
The first half ended with several close calls but still no scores on the board, and the second half continued to challenge both sides as they fought to score. With only 15 minutes left, Krause made a pass across the field to midfielder Rebecca Racine (C’24), who then kicked it directly into the lower-left corner of the net, past the Devil’s goalie whose diving effort was just a bit too late. Racine’s effort proved to be the decider as the team enthusiastically celebrated her second goal of the season.
The audience created an electric environment for the duration of the game, cheering on the Rangers as they continued to fight to cement their victory. Racine nearly made another goal, but it was deflected, and Crowley made an impressive interception of an incoming header.
The strength of the Rangers was on full display in the 2024 installment of the Battle of Madison Avenue. A win of this caliber could be the type of statement win over a longtime crosstown rival that will foster momentum for the remainder of their season.
Evelyn Labbe is a first-year exploring academically.
