NEW YORK – Columbia women's soccer hit the road for a short trip to the Bronx on Thursday night for a non-conference game against Fordham at Jack Coffey Field.
The score was tied 1-1 as the clock was winding down and the match looked destined for a draw, but Gabby Chan had other plans. In the 88th minute, Maia Tabion shot on goal which was deflected up in the air, and Chan pounced to knock it past Fordham's keeper and over the line to secure a 2-1 win for the Lions.
Just before halftime, Columbia (2-4-1) struck first as Tabion slipped a shot inside the left post in the 41st minute with an assist from
Justina Bitzer. This was Tabion's first goal of 2025.
Samantha Mahoney's goalkpeeping was on full display in this one, making a career-high five saves and keeping the Rams (4-2-1) off the scoreboard for the entire first. However, Fordham finally broke through as Caroline Kelleher snuck one past Mahoney in the 48th minute. From that moment on, Mahoney and the rest of Columbia's back line held firm and held the Rams scoreless.
The Lions had a great opportunity to take the lead with about 10 minutes to play but couldn't convert. Back-to-back shots in the 80th minute from
Charlyse Berry and
Dema Elder went wide and was blocked, and Columbia was awarded a corner. After the corner,
Sammie Moncion had a shot blocked and
Maia Beltran had a shot turned away by Kyla King.
It looked like the result was headed for a draw, but Chan's first goal of the season and first of her career came in the 88th minute, propelling the Lions to a 2-1 victory.
ON DECK
Columbia will return home on Sunday for its final non-conference match of 2025 against Monmouth. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Commisso Stadium.
The Lions' full 2025 schedule can be found
HERE.
For the latest on the Columbia women's soccer program, follow @CULionsWSOC on X, Instagram, Facebook at Facebook.com/ColumbiaWSoccer and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
