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DAYTON WINS 2-1 IN A-10 WOMEN'S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Nov. 8, 2009
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The University of Dayton came from behind to capture its league-leading sixth Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Tournament Championship with a 2-1 win over Charlotte Sunday at Transamerica Field. The No. 24 Flyers, who also claimed the 2009 A-10 Regular Season Title, improve to 16-0-5 keeping the nation's longest unbeaten streak alive. More importantly, with the win, the Flyers earned an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. "It sure feels good," said UD Head Coach Mike Tucker. "It's nice being undefeated. I'm proud as can be of these girls. They continue to surprise us and find a way. Today was our turn to even the tables." UD climbed back from a 1-0 deficit with two unanswered goals to defeat the 49ers. Charlotte opened the scoring in the 19th minute with Kirby Stenard heading in an Oni Bernard cross near the goal line. Dayton bounced back from the goal by answering 67 seconds later on a Colleen Williams' shot inside Charlotte's penalty area into the right corner. Mandi Bäck was credited with the assist as Williams, the 2009 A-10 Rookie of the Year, picked up her seventh goal of the season. "Colleen Williams is a huge reason we're in the final today," said Tucker. "Her goal was a huge lift. We came right back at them. Colleen cracked it with a picture-book finish. She is strong and got herself into that position. She is a great team player and she was firing everyone up at halftime." Junior Jerica DeWolfe's decisive shot in the 87th minute proved to be the game winner, giving the Flyers the A-10 Tournament Title for the first time since 2004. "Jerica hit a bomb for us from about 40 yards out," said Tucker. "I just put her in three minutes earlier and told her to do what she does best. She crushed the ball and the keeper got her finger on it. It was just a world-class goal." The Flyers survived several scares to come away with the title and deal a loss to the 49ers, their first since Sept. 13 and first against an Atlantic 10 opponent since the 2007 season. Charlotte outshot UD 19-14 and A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Katherine Boone had eight saves in goal for the Flyers. "Charlotte missed a PK. They played very well today and it showed that we did not have much left in the tank from all the illness that struck us this week," said Tucker. "We were very fortunate today, but the girls battled and always seem to find a way. "Charlotte whipped the ball in with five seconds left and headed the ball over the net with a wide open goal," he added. "That was divine intervention. I don't know if it was my parents or Stacey Martin (editor's note: Stacey is a former UD women's soccer player who passed away on March 28, 1998 during an exhibition match at Baujan Field), but someone was looking out for us." Redshirt junior Cara Cornacchia was named the Championship Most Outstanding Player, while Bäck and sophomore Kathleen Beljan were named to the All-Championship Team. "Cara played very well. Late in the game she said, `Coach I think I can help us out wide' and she did," said Tucker. "Cara is a steady and good player. She's had a tough career with injuries and I was happy for her when she got the recognition." The 2009 NCAA Women's Soccer Championship Selection show will be aired live on Monday, Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNEWS. The UD women's soccer team will have a viewing party at the Boesch Lounge at UD Arena. "To win the regular season and the tournament says a lot about you as a team," said Tucker. "It sends us to the NCAA, which has been our goal all season. We don't have to wait and worry and we're going in with momentum." Dayton has was the A-10 Championship six times (1996, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2009). Most Outstanding Player - Cara Cornacchia, Dayton
All-Championship Team |
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