Box Score
After an impressive defensive effort by the American University women's soccer team through regulation, it was Boston University that came away with the win, netting the golden goal in the 97th minute to secure a 1-0, overtime victory over the Eagles.
Junior goalkeeper Charlene Belanger made 11 saves in the match, but after her 10th save, a lose ball corralled in the box by Taylor Krebs which was then put on net, proved to be the difference.
The American (6-10-1, 4-3-1) defense was tested early and often in the match, facing 22 corner kicks (19 in regulation) and 31 shots, including 18 in the second half, but AU kept Boston U. (12-3-3, 7-1-0) scoreless through two halves.
"I thought our defense, specifically our back line, played very well today," said head coach Anabel Jimenez Hering. "BU pressed and put the pressure on us, but we played well enough to keep them off the scoreboard into overtime. We had a few chances on the offensive end and need to make the most of those."
The Eagles faced an equally strong defense that consistently kept AU from setting up its offense and immediately set up the Terrier attack. BU held American to only two shot attempts in the match.
Despite Boston's ability to control much of the match, the Eagles kept themselves in the contest with the stellar defense headed by junior center back Kirsten Eriksen.
The game also held special meaning to six players as Shaena Alfonsi, MacKenzie Kerrigan, Katarina Kingston, Devon Meske, Erin Ryan and Brenna Smith all started the match and were honored pregame during AU's annual Senior Day.
The Eagles, who have already clinched a berth into the Patriot League Tournament, will look to get back on the winning track in the regular season finale at Colgate on Saturday, November 2 at 7 p.m. While several tie-breaking scenarios are in play, the winner of the match will be in good position to secure the No. 3 seed in the conference playoffs.
