Last year, Fordham Women’s Soccer faced a lot of ups and downs. The Rams came back from COVID-19 scares and canceled games. They finished the season strong with a record of 4-3, stepping up when they knew it was time to get back into action. The Rams fought hard and closed the season, ready to fight again within a few months.

This year, there is hope that the season will be a regular one. With the university’s vaccine mandate, pandemic-related interruptions may disappear, and the focus will return to the field again.

The season has gone as planned so far, but with a current overall record of two wins, four losses and one tie, it has not been as the Rams envisioned. However, the hiccups have been due to injuries within the team and, according to head coach Jessica Clinton, the lack of focus. She said, “We need to get back to basics to remember who we are as a team and a program.”

This weekend, the team faced the Quinnipiac University Bobcats on the home turf of Jack Coffey Field in the Bronx. With this being the first game on campus since the Fordham community has fully returned in person, there was a sense of excitement and hope for the team to put on a show for the 254 fans in attendance. 

Fifth year midfielder Milan Bornstein, was a particular standout, pounding the goal with three shots and finally putting one past the goalkeeper in the 82nd minute for her second of the season. Senior wingback Kendall Dandridge contributed another two shots, sophomore midfielder Alexandra Taylor added one and super-sub junior forward Caitlin Kennedy scored another goal. However, Fordham’s two on the day were not enough to overcome Quinnipiac. The Bobcats scored again, securing their victory against the Rams, 3-2.

With this added loss, the season has been a tough one so far, but coach Clinton is hopeful for the road ahead. “Our mentality becomes more focused on finding a way to be successful.” The Rams’ next chance to do that comes this Thursday in Philadelphia against La Salle University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.