The American University women's soccer team posted its fourth consecutive shutout with a 1-0 victory over Holy Cross on Friday night, marking the first time in program history a team has been able to string together four straight shutouts. The win also guarantees the Eagles a spot in the 2012 Patriot League Tournament, the team's first postseason appearance since 2009.

"We had to really battle to win this one and it was a typical conference game," said Head Coach Dave Bucciero. "I am so proud of this team and how we have come together. Our entire senior class was determined to get back to the Patriot League Tournament and now our focus will be on winning the conference."

Jasmine Mohandesi once again added the game-winner for American (6-8-2, 4-1), tallying her fifth goal of the season in the 27th minute. The senior sent a shot in from the top of box and put it just out of reach of the Crusaders' goalkeeper for the 1-0 lead.

Holy Cross (6-9-1, 2-3) immediately tried to respond, but Charlene Belanger made the save on the first shot by Ally Pasquariello and Jenna Scanlon's attempt hit the crossbar. The Crusaders continued to challenge Belanger, but the sophomore was able to register back-to-back saves to send the Eagles into the break with the 1-0 advantage.

Mohandesi nearly added a second score three minutes into the second half, but the Holy Cross defense was able to block the shot to preserve its one-goal deficit. After a series of American shots, the Crusaders were able to maintain possession as they looked for the equalizer.

Holy Cross outshot the Eagles by a 10-4 margin in the second half. The Crusaders were nearly able to tie it in the 87th minute on a corner kick, but the American defense was able to clear it on the goal line and Belanger tallied the save on the rebound attempt to hold onto the lead and the clean sheet.

The Crusaders held a 15-9 advantage in shots in the match, with a 8-4 mark in shots on goal. Holy Cross also had a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks. Belanger notched seven saves on her way to recording her fourth career clean sheet.

American continues its road trip when it takes on Army on Sunday, October 21 at 1 p.m.