Siena Stuns Top Seed Monmouth in Women's Soccer Semifinal
MAAC Sports
WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Sixth seeded Siena College defeated top seeded Monmouth University 2-1 in the first semifinal contest of the 2015 MAAC Women’s Soccer Championship at Hesse Field on the campus of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey.
Siena got on the attack first in the contest when a header by Michele Tremblay was cleared by Monmouth’s keeper Sydney Lavan. Madison Vasquezt then got a shot off which was blocked back to her and she knocked in the first goal of the match at the 19th minute. The Saints would strike again off a header from Allison Clark coming off an assists from Kristen Connors at the 30th minute in the first half giving Siena the 2-0 edge. Monmouth had a 6-4 shot advantage, while Siena held a 3-1 shots on goal edge into the break.
In the second half, Monmouth’s Erica Murphy was taken down in the box with 28:58 on the clock giving her a penalty kick opportunity. Murphy would take advantage of the penalty kick, scoring her 16th goal of the season and cutting the Hawks deficit to 2-1. Monmouth’s offense stayed aggressive late in the contest, but failed to find the back of the net missing wide at the 85th and 86th mark.
Winning goalkeeper Liz Rogan made two saves in the game, while Lavan finished her night with two as well.
Siena returns to the title match for the first time since 2010 when they won the crown by edging Canisius 1-0 in overtime. The Saints are the first sixth seed to earn a spot in the championship final since Niagara University accomplished the feat during the 2009 championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. The Saints will take on the winner of second seeded Manhattan College and fourth seeded Rider University on Sunday, November 8 at 3:00 p.m. on ESPN3.
The winner of the 2015 MAAC Women’s Soccer Championship will receive the leagues automatic bid to the 2015 NCAA Women’s Soccer Championship. The NCAA Selection Show for DI Women’s Soccer will air on NCAA.com on Monday, November 9 at 4:30 p.m.