Box Score The American University women's soccer team rallied with two scores in the final 2:57 to earn the 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Navy Friday night in Annapolis, Md.
American (6-10-3, 2-2-3 Patriot League) got on the scoreboard first when Jasmine Mohandesi registered her first-career goal off a fantastic individual effort, as she regained control of the ball and fired a shot after getting it knocked away by the Navy defense.
AU's lead was shortlived, however, as Navy (9-8-3, 2-3-2 PL), struck back with a 12th minute score from Carissa Youker. The match remained tied for more than 50 minutes until the Midshipmen took a 2-1 advantage on a Sam Newhaller strike in the 64th minute.
Trailing 2-1 in the 88th minute, American converted the game-tying goal when Brenna Smith found Kristin Piorun in front of the goal, who slid her shot past Navy goalkeeper Hannah Legler. The play was setup off a Brooke Sheppard corner kick, as the Midshipmen were unable to clear the ball before Smith gathered it. For Piorun, the score was her first of the season and third of her career.
A minute and 11 seconds later, the Eagles struck again, as Samantha Trotta scored her first-career goal off a pass from Michelle Montilio. American held the lead for the final 1:46 following Trotta's goal to come away with the road victory.
"It was a great job by our team to battle back with two goals in the last three minutes," said Head Coach Dave Bucciero. "To win on the road against a team that was playing for a Patriot League Tournament berth is not easy and I am extremely happy for our kids."
Lindsey Farthing played 70 minutes in goal for American, allowing one goal and earning the victory in her final collegiate match. Klare Lazor registered the other 20 minutes between the pipes for the Eagles, which marked her first collegiate appearance.
American's three goals marked a season-high. The last time the Eagles scored three times was last October 31 when AU defeated the Midshipmen, 3-0, at Reeves Field.
The victory gave the Eagles a 2-2-3 record in Patriot League play, marking the fifth straight season that American has registered a non-losing conference record. AU is a combined 16-9-10 in the Patriot League over the last five seasons. Additionally, after beginning the season 0-8, the Eagles finished the campaign with a 6-2-3 record over their final 11 matches.
Friday's match also marked a historic game in AU women's soccer history, as Sheppard made her program-record 78th career appearance in her final match as an Eagle. The senior midfielder made 65 starts in her four years, and led the team with nine points on three goals and three assists in the 2010 season.
"They have fought hard all year and this is a great way to finish our season," added Bucciero. "We hope to build on this win next year."