By Charlie Maisano 

After starting the season 2-1-1, the women’s soccer team had an up-and-down week, and now sit at 2-2-3. Last Sunday, the Rams met up with the Holy Cross Crusaders at Jack Coffey Field for the first time in almost 25 years. The game went longer than both teams had hoped as they traded barbs all night before heading into double overtime. Neither team was able to score and the game ended as a scoreless tie. The Rams were able to get 11 shots off, three on goal, while the Crusaders were only able to muster up two shots, only one of which was on goal. Head coach Jessica Clinton said the team is still learning and gaining experience early on in the season.

“Goals are hard to come by, so if and when we score, we will celebrate it because we know that we have worked for it,” said Clinton. “Our front five have been doing a really good job of getting in and creating chances, it’s just merely remaining calm in front of goal.”

The Rams did not have to travel far for their next game on Friday, as they headed down the Northern State Parkway to Hofstra University for a matchup with the Pride. When the two teams met last season, Hofstra scored in the sixth minute and went on to win the game. The Rams experienced some déjà vu when the Pride’s Madeline Anderson headed in a corner from Noriana Radwan in the sixth minute. Fordham tried to counter back all game, especially in the second half, outshooting Hofstra 5-3, but could not squeeze one into the back of the net. When the final whistle blew and the score read 1-0 Hofstra, Clinton knew what the team needed to work on.

“We are still figuring out who we are and what works for us,” Clinton said. “We know our style works.  We know we move the ball well.  We need an attitude to go with it.  We need to be tougher on free kicks and set pieces. We need an attitude.”

When the Rams returned to the Bronx that night, they knew they would be staying on campus for another two full weeks before getting back on the travel bus. They have already faced #18 Connecticut, who they tied 2-2. They will then play Columbia on Friday, Sept. 15, and Atlantic 10 opponents Hartford on Sunday, Sept. 17 and Rhode Island on Sept. 21.

For some, being home may mean relaxation and familiarity. For the Rams, it means the complete opposite.

“Home doesn’t mean relaxed. Our players are in classes, they have a routine.  They are expected to do the work to be a student athlete,” said Clinton. “Being home for four games means putting themselves in the best position given their comfort to be successful. We want Jack Coffey Field to be a tough place to play. We know the work that it entails to be successful at home and also know what is at stake in our non-conference portion of our schedule.”

During this home stand, the Rams will have to buckle down and be aggressive in order to ring the Victory Bell after a home win for the first time this season.