The Alternative Press

LIVINGSTON, NJ – Sabrina Flores scored two goals including the game winner 2:25 into the first half and twin sister Monica added a score and an assist as the Livingston Lady Lancers defeated Nutley 3-0 on Monday afternoon at Livingston High School.

Sabrina’s first goal came when teammate Kylie McLaughlin dribbled the ball into the Nutley box after a throw in.  She sent a ball for Sabrina who fired it over Nutley goalie Eileen Purcell and into the back left corner of the net.

“That’s a play that we’ve been working on.  I was just wide open and I just volleyed it in,” Sabrina said.  "I wasn’t really expecting it.  It just came,” she added.

After Livingston controlled possession for much of the first half, it was Monica’s turn to get on the scoreboard.

With about ten minutes to go in the opening frame, Monica found the back of the net after a nice touch pass from team captain Joanna Scotti.  She took the ball to the goal and lofted a shot over Purcell, who came out of her net on the play, and into the back of the cage.

The score put Livingston up by two.

If not for some unlucky breaks and good saves from Purcell, Livingston could have added to their score before halftime.

Kristine Kelly had a good chance when she lasered a hard shot from just outside the Nutley box, but Purcell made a nice jumping save.

Forward Clara Scher also had an opportunity to head the ball into the goal, but her attempt sailed just wide.  Still, Livingston was up 2-0 after 40 minutes of play.

“We had a lot of possession.  We had a lot of chances,” Livingston Head Coach Paul Raiz said after the game.  “I give them credit.  They came out hard.  I like what our girls are doing.”

During the second half Livingston continued to control the flow of play. They put together a number of scoring chances and, for the most part, kept the ball out of their zone.

Sabrina broke through with her second goal of the contest late in the second half.  Monica was dribbling down the left side of the field when she saw her sister cutting towards the net.  She passed the ball to Sabrina who put in to make the score 3-0.

“She (Monica) had the ball there and usually she knows where I’m going to go,” Sabrina said.  “She just fed me the pass and I (got the shot) off,” she continued.

The Livingston defense played a strong game, as well. Livingston goaltender Samantha Rothenberger finished with three saves.

Livingston is now 7-0-1.