FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
First Regional Title in 19 Years for Adelphi.
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - For the third time in a month, the Adelphi women's soccer team had the opportunity to take the field against No. 1 nationally-ranked The College of Saint Rose with key implications on the line.
The previous two meetings between the Panthers (14-3-5) and Golden Knights (20-0-2) this fall decided the regular season and tournament champion in the NE10.
In a Friday morning matinee in suburban Philadelphia, the Panthers stunned the prevailing tournament favorites in penalty kicks by a 4-2 scoreline.
"There aren't many words to be honest," said head coach Brooke DeRosa in her post-game reaction. "This type of game. This type of feeling. It takes some time to reflect and process it. I'm just so happy for the team and the hard work they've put in throughout this entire season. The way they came together and got this result is tremendous."
A game that had 23 shots on goal only yielded a goal apiece between the two teams. Graduate keeper Krista Aliscio astoundingly made a career-high twelve saves in the biggest start of her collegiate career.
"We have worked so hard all season and throughout our careers for this moment," Aliscio reflected. "We were solid and every player had a quality game, both offensively and defensively."
As the team looked to claw its way back from a 1-0 halftime deficit, Kayleigh Goodrich came through with the equalizer nine minutes into the second half.
With the Panthers working their way up field on a counter, Dylann Trahey played a through ball behind the defense for a streaking Goodrich, who delivered a strike at the near post for the game-tying goal.
"This win is a reflection of all the hard work that we have been putting in since Day 1," Goodrich stated. "I am extremely proud of my team and what we were able to accomplish, but the work is not done yet."
An evenly-played 110 minutes on the pitch, the ten shooters for both sides would eventually take their place at midfield for the decisive shootout.
In unlikely fashion, Aliscio and Saint Rose netminder Peyton DeRouen made diving saves on each of their opposition's first attempts.
In the fourth round of the shootout, Lola Kochanskyj went top shelf against DeRouen to put Adelphi ahead. With NE10 and D2CCA East Region Player of the Year Mia Klammer stepping to the spot to attempt to level the score, Aliscio came through at the far post to deny one of the nation's leading goal-scorers.
"When it was time for penalty kicks, I had nothing but faith in all 10 shooters," Aliscio added. "Saving the two penalties was a feeling I'll never forget. I am extremely proud of this team and can't wait to see what more we accomplish."
The shootout now rested in the hands of Kayla Mushorn. With a running start, Mushorn -- although DeRouen guessed correctly at the far post -- tucked a perfect shot inside the upper-left 90.
"Once the ball hit the back of the net, I was in immediate tears," said Mushorn after her winning penalty. "We have all worked so hard to be in this position. Even through all of the hardships we have faced, we are regional champions in this moment. Our story isn't over yet."
It is the first regional championship for the Adelphi women's soccer team since 2004, when the program executed a three-peat under Adelphi Athletic Hall of Fame head coach Rich Ilsley.
"I had nothing but faith in this team. There was no doubt in any of our minds," Adelphi captain Morgan Salmon summarized. "We have worked hard all season and stepped up to the plate when we needed to. We have a lot more heart to give and can't wait to show everyone what we have in the Elite Eight."
The Panthers now await the winner of the Atlantic Region final between No. 3 seed West Chester University of Pennsylvania and No. 4 seed Gannon University. The advancing team will go head-to-head with Adelphi in the national quarterfinals Sunday (Dec. 3) at 1 p.m. in West Chester, with the winner heading to the NCAA Division II National Championship in Matthews, N.C.
-Recap provided by Adelphi athletic communications-
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 12 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
