Written By: Tyler Lewin | WPSL Correspondent
The Rhode Island Rogues and Kingston Capitals battled in a match of cagey affairs, with a very vocal crowd, that would ultimately see both teams leave the pitch with a point.
The Kingston Capitals found the game’s opening goal in the 10’ minute. With a corner kick coming in from the right-hand side of the field, the left-footed Kelly Coster (College of Saint Rose) crossed the ball into the box which passed through the crowd of players and directly into the back of the net.
In the 15’ minute the Rogues found a chance of its own via Camryn Thompson (Stonehill College). Receiving the ball on the right side of the box, Thompson beat her defender with a chop inside. Capitals’ goalkeeper Cassie Coster (Monmouth) rushed out driving at the feet of Thompson and ending the attack. Thompson would prove to be the go-to attacking option for the Rogues throughout the first half, however, the Capital’s defenders were equally up to the task, holding Thompson to few chances.
Hannah McNulty (Providence College) found the Rogues’ best chance of the half, coming in the 27’ minute. With a bouncing pass played in from midfielder Brooke Jenkins (Vermont), McNulty took her touch on the half-turn towards the goal. From 22 yards out, McNulty fired a shot to the top left corner calling on Coster to make a diving save at full stretch and keeping the shutout intact for the time being.
The Capitals opened the attacking chances in the second half in the 54’ minute. Colleen Kinsella (Misericordia University) turned her defender and played a through ball into the feet of Makenzie Below (Sawyers High School). After taking a touch, Rogues goalkeeper Jessica Kasacek (University of Maine) left her line, diving at the feet of Below and pushing the ball wide which ultimately found its way back to the feet of Kinsella who placed her shot over the crossbar.
The first card of the game was awarded to Jordan Restivo (Johnson and Wales University) of the Rogues in the 75’ minute for her challenge on Capitals defender Delaney McMorris. After losing possession, Restivo attempted to win the ball back but caught the legs of McMorris instead.
In the 86’ minute, the Rogues would equalize. Finding the feet of target striker McNulty, she made a half-turn on her defender and played a ball in behind to Restivo. With a first-time cross from the left-hand side of the box, Restivo found the knees of Thompson whose original attempt was saved by Coster but immediately followed up and placed it into the back of the net. The goal by Thompson would be the last notable chance of the game to rescue a point for the Rogues in its home opener.
Kingston will continue its stint on the road as it takes on the Vermont Fusion on June 3 at 7 PM followed by a June 4 matchup against Clarkstown Soccer Club at 6 PM. The Rogues will also hit the road to face Force FC New York on June 3, slated for a 5 PM kickoff.