Some athletes have a knack for thriving in big games -- and Roadrunner sophomore Crystal Johnson knows a little bit about coming up clutch in pressure playoff matches!
For the second straight season, Johnson scored a winning goal to help the Roadrunners win a Region 19 title and earn a berth in the NJCAA Division III National Championship Tournament.
On Saturday, the talented forward helped the Runners rally for a 3-2 triumph over visiting Union by scoring two second-half goals to clinch the Region crown and the program's fourth straight National Championship Tournament playoff berth.
In October 2021, Crystal netted a dramatic goal in double overtime to lift the Runners to a region title and a trip to Nationals.
"I've had the great fortune to be in the right place at the right time," said Johnson, a former Gloucester City High standout. "This is quite a feeling to have scored a winning goal in the Region tournament two years in a row. "
Click Here for Photo Highlights from Region 19 Championship vs. Union
Johnson's winning score came when she headed in a goal on a ball that bounced off the post with about 10 minutes remaining to snap a 2-2 tie. She scored the tying goal at 67 minutes. Angelina Bluford netted the Runners' first goalin the first half for a 1-0 lead before the Owls moved out to a 2-1 halftime lead thanks to goals from Michelle Montoya and Arianna Chavez.
When the Runners fell behind 2-1 at halftime, head coach Maria Grady knew she could rely on her second-year players for much-needed relief. That came from Johnson and sophomore center back Hailey Hartwyk, who led a solid defensive effort.
"We're a young team, but we have some amazing second-year players, so I'm not surprised that Crystal and Hailey stepped up like they did."
Also stepping up was an unlikely hero in freshman goalkeeper Jasalene Maldonado, who filled in for regular starter Emma Baus, out for one game with an injury. Maldonado surrendered two first half goals, but shut the door in the second half as the Runners rallied.
"We were all proud of Jasalene's efforts," said Coach Grady. "She had never played in goal before, and she hung in there to give us a chance to win the game."
The win helped the Runners earn a berth to D III National Championships, November 9-13, in Herkimer, NY. Playoff berths and match-ups will be announced.