After a season off the LREI Knights are returning to play in 2021. They have a young roster, with only four upperclassmen, and the remaining roster split 60/40 between freshmen and sophomores respectively. But that doesn’t mean they lack experience. There are six players who were a part of the 2019 ISAL first place finishing side, including starters Charlotte Peyser, Mia Schulte, Leah Maathey and Josie Parks, as well as defender Olivia Atienza and forward Cassidy Moskowitz, who is beginning the season recovering from injury.

Weather played a disruptive factor in this year’s preseason, with multiple practices cancelled from heavy rains, so the non league matchup with Trevor Day was the first chance the team had to really get a sense of what it was capable of. The early returns are very promising. From the opening whistle LREI peppered the Trevor goal. The physical and organized opposition defensive line worked hard to push back, but chances were plentiful. And it only took five minutes for the opener. Senior midfielder/forward Mia Schulte drifted into space on the right side, beat her defender and played the ball on the ground across the goal to a wide open Josie Parks, who had created a pocket between the centerbacks. It was a tap in from that range and Parks made easy work of it. 

 

The Knights would regret not putting away more of their chances though when Trevor would hit a strong shot from wide that found the far corner with pinpoint accuracy. It was a difficult-to-repeat effort, and it drew the game level. 

After the half Trevor would add another not long in. LREI had their opposition pinned back, and a well hit clearance went high and long, bouncing right in front of the Knights defensive line and over their heads. From there it was a foot race. The Trevor Day forward had a step on everyone and had plenty of time to find her corner. 

The lead would hold until the 66th minute, but just barely. Senior forward Charlotte Peyser collected a ball, cut inside their defender and beat the keeper with a brilliant curling shot only to watch it ping off the post. There was an audible gasp from the field. But not long after Peyser and Parks would combine to find a gap in the defense that put the senior in behind. With a great control touch they set themselves up before slotting the ball home. The remaining minutes would play out tensely as LREI searched for a winner, but it would remain even at 2 when the final whistle went. 

LREI begin the season with a draw, but won’t have to wait long for their next opportunity. The second game of the season will open league play against FASNY on Monday, September 20th on Randall’s Island.