This is not the way it should end.

It was supposed to be Joe Russo solemnly lifted off the field and lifted the national championship trophy surrounded by the ecstatic players of the New Jersey College Women's Football Team.

Sadly, because Christopher Newport (Christopher Newport) defeated the Lions 2-0 in Greensboro, North Carolina, won the third division national championship, Russo's 32 years of outstanding coaching career and players Our exciting journey in 2021 ends on Saturday.

"It's really great," Russo said of his years of coaching at TCNJ. "This is a great run. If you tell me at the beginning of 1990 that we will enter the 13 Final Four and win some national championships, you will be crazy. This is great for me. I have some great The opportunities and memories I will never forget."

This is undoubtedly a very memorable season. From the day before the first training, Russo told the team about his retirement.

Win for the coach, of course, but in most cases, the group is so close that it also wins for each other.

After the game, Russo's message to the team was a kind of pride and gratitude.

"I told them I love them and enjoy the journey we have always been," Russo said. "I thank them for letting me stick with them for a while. I can't ask more."

Christopher Newport (22-0-1) is an affiliate member of the New Jersey State Games Football League and scored a goal at 18:06 in the first half.

Then in the second half, CNU won a penalty and Riley Cook converted into the final victory.

TCNJ (21-1-2) has never been ignored on the offensive end. Once behind 2-0, it changed what the Lions wanted to do.

"Christopher Newport played very well, they let us get rid of a lot of things we have always liked to do," Russo said. "I salute them. We didn't string any balls together. I liked our beginning, and then we grew from it."

Jaina Coppola's disappointment was obvious, because the junior was in tears after the game.

"I'm proud of us," Coppola said. "I have never joined a team like this before. Our love and chemistry for each other is unparalleled. We had an amazing season and there was no other way but to learn from it and come back next season. I do. This team is proud."

Disappointment and pride almost summed up the feelings of Lasso, coaching staff and every player.

"This is a special team and I am very proud. I don't think a game can define our achievements and our true identity," Russo said. "I sympathize with the elderly because they have no chance. I told them before the game that this is our last 90 minutes together."

It has been a great 32 years for Russo and his long-time assistant Bob Turner, and they have felt the pain of the players.

"Anything I can say or do will not change how they feel," Russo said. "This is the cruel part of the work we do."

Russo's achievements are unparalleled. He won 3 national championships, entered the semifinals 13 times, entered the NCAA tournament 30 times in a row, won 20 division titles, and set a professional record of 557-67-45.

"I'm very satisfied," Russo said. "Even if the result did not go our way, as a team, we have almost nothing to enjoy in this game. I am as frustrated as anyone, but we have done the best we can do in 32 years. It goes without saying."

Loud and clear, one of the true legends of college women's football is about to leave.

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