Caldwell Girls Soccer Still Searching for Win

Livingston's quick striking power was too much for Caldwell on Wednesday.

In a battle of Super Essex Conference American squads, the Lady Lancers soccer team ran to a 5-3 victory against the Lady Chiefs in West Caldwell. 

From kickoff, the Lancers were able to control the scoring and put five balls past Caldwell goal keeper Carleigh Trivino. 

Livingston scored within the first 40 seconds of the match as sophomore Kristine Kelly fed freshman Erica Dippold, who placed it by Trivino.

"It helped a lot and we were able to take a deep breath and settle down," said Livingston senior captain Kate Schwindel, who had a goal and an assist on the day. "We try to go forward as quick as we can and get the crosses."

Caldwell had a better second half from better defense, with improved play from Trivino and a pair of late second-half goals by Gabriella Roselle and Kate McDonnell that made it a closer game. But it still was Livingston's game to be had.

"We have a lot of weapons that can put another team behind," said Paul Raiz, Livingston's coach.  

On the other side, Caldwell head coach Mike Teshkoyan was impressed that his team showed an offensive spark in the second half.

"Down 5-0, we could have just laid down and played dead," said Teshkoyan, who credited Livingston with the victory. "They have very good talent and ability and caused us to be disorganized."

The difference came in a five-minute period that started a little more than 16 minutes remaining in the first half when Livingston scored three goals. Sophomore Carly Swenson fed senior Kate Schwindel and she placed it by Trivino to make it 2-0. Only a couple minutes later, sophomore Joanna Scotti fed junior Samantha Attermann who smacked it into the net for a 3-0 lead. The Lady Lancers continued the pressure as Schwindel assisted freshman Sabrina Flores, who knocked one in, for a 4-0 lead.

It was the first goal for Sabrina and her twin sister, Monica, scored her first high school goal with a little less than four minutes remaining in the first half. Sophomore Clara Scher assisted on the Lancers fifth goal to make it 5-0.

The Chiefs are 0-1-1 after two games. The Caldwell season opener against Nutley on Monday resulted in a tie.