CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - The John Jay girls soccer team opened its 2025 season in dominant fashion on Wednesday, Sept. 3, defeating North Salem 5–0.
The Wolves controlled possession from the start, keeping the ball in the Tigers’ end for most of the first half. Despite numerous chances, they managed just one goal, leaving the door open for North Salem. With under 11 minutes left in the half, Jennifer Killeen broke free in front of the net, only to be denied by goalkeeper Brooke Epstein’s diving save.
“She made a great diving save,” said forward Carly Mangiaracina. “That was a huge moment.”
Still, the missed opportunities became a halftime talking point. “We had a lot of chances not finding the back of the net,” Mangiaracina said. “We had to talk about that.” The message landed: John Jay scored four second-half goals to put the game out of reach.
The Wolves set the tone early. On the opening possession, senior wing Kayla Cambareri worked the corner and centered a ball to Myla Schneider, whose shot sailed high. But Cambareri kept pressing. Minutes later, she sped down the right side, beat two defenders, and crossed inside. Mangiaracina finished the play with a strike into the right corner for a 1–0 lead.
John Jay continued to generate chances as Schneider, Cambareri, and Maye Viders all tested the North Salem defense. But it wasn’t until the second half that the floodgates opened.
“We talked about keeping up the intensity,” Cambareri said.
That urgency showed immediately. Mangiaracina broke past the defense along the sideline, drew out the keeper, and slid the ball across to Cambareri for an easy finish at the 38:40 mark.
Minutes later, Cambareri once again attacked the corner and sent a low cross toward goal. Mangiaracina pounced, then unselfishly tipped the ball to sophomore Sarah Mardon, who knocked it home for a 3–0 lead.
“The way Kayla works, it makes you want to finish,” Mangiaracina said.
With the match firmly in hand, Viders and Amelia Inglis each added goals, sealing a commanding 5–0 victory for the Wolves.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here