@MYOS1634 I think a lot of people would be wondering about the 0-0, haha! Pace were VERY lucky not to lose.
^I can’t read this stuff without smiling.
@1203southview happy to make you smile 
So, any thoughts after the opening games? Any big surprises? Any teams that will bounce back to eventually advance?
The second round of LBad Cup group play began on Friday afternoon. First, in Group A, we had the hosts of the tournament, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their scarlet, facing the Massachusetts Minutemen in white. Both sides won their opening games over Fairfield and Stony Brook, respectively, and either team would qualify for the knockout stages with a win. Which large state flagship would provide the goods?
As in their first game, UMass once again had the better of their opponents. They saw about 60% of the ball, which is why it was no real surprise when striker Matt L. opened the scoring in the 18th. Matt became the second New Jerseyan to score on his home state’s flagship in this tournament, a beautiful curling shot that flew past Rutgers keeper Alamo. Rutgers had some decent chances of their own through captain Jeremie D. and his fellow midfielder Anna R., but could not find a way past UMass keeper Davy D. before halftime.
Rutgers actually began the second period attempting to equalize even more aggressively. Jeremie had a couple of free kicks that were slightly off target, and Zach S. had one of his shots hit the post. Rutgers pressed and pressed for an equalizer, but were undone when striker Adrian A. made it 2-0 in the 72’. The Massachusetts native, who came on as a substitute, played a nice one-two with fellow striker Trish B. before calmly placing the ball past Alamo. Rutgers had chances to reduce the deficit, but none of them could find a way past Davy. The home fans walked away feeling very disappointed, while the Minutemen’s spot in the Sweet 16 is virtually guaranteed.
FINAL SCORE: Rutgers 0-2 UMass
GOALS: Matt L. 18’, Adrian A. 72’
Next, the Stony Brook Seawolves took on the Fairfield Stags on Long Island. Stony Brook entered the game with goalkeeper and star player Danny L. missing through suspension, Spaniard Nacho N. starting in his place. Fairfield kept the same lineup as they did in their opening-day loss to Rutgers. Both sides needed a draw to stay alive.
Stony Brook in red, Fairfield in white. Both teams played very desperately, and each had great chances to go ahead in the opening 20 minutes. Stony Brook striker Misha B. had a wonderful curving effort just barely parried away by Fairfield keeper Donald T. Fairfield captain Audrey C. was denied her second goal of the tournament when Nacho saved her superb right-footed shot from just outside of the box. It went into the break scoreless.
Stony Brook had the first great chance of the second half, but Misha was again frustrated by Donald. The Stags then capitalized on that frustration when striker Alexandra F. broke the deadlock on 59 minutes. Audrey whipped in a delicious cross from the left that the native Nutmegger was happy to head past Nacho. Fairfield were close to doubling the lead four minutes later, but Nacho made a great save from Ashley G. Down the other end, Cedric J. was very close to equalizing, but Donald was again superb. Misha’s frustrations also continued when her header from point-blank range was once again saved by Donald in the 77th. However, in the 84th minute, the Fairfield resistance was finally undone when Misha played a nice through ball for Cedric to tuck in. Donald was finally beaten. The result meant that UMass become the first team to qualify for the Sweet 16. Stony Brook’s meeting with Rutgers is now do-or-die, while Fairfield must bring their A-game against a Minutemen team that must now be contemplating resting some of their players.
FINAL SCORE: Stony Brook 1-1 Fairfield
GOALS: Cedric J. 84’; Alexandra F. 59’
Group A standings
- Massachusetts Minutemen 2-0-0, 5 GS/0 GA, +5 GD, 6 Pts
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 1-0-1, 2 GS/3 GA, -1 GD, 3 Pts
- Fairfield Stags 0-1-1, 2 GS/3 GA, -1 GD, 1 Pt
- Stony Brook Seawolves 0-1-1, 1 GS/4 GA, -3 GD, 1 Pt
Group B also continued with the Central Florida Knights in white hosting the Rider Broncs in cranberry at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. UCF, 2-1 losers to Binghamton in the first game, needed at least a draw to avoid a rather embarrassing early exit after just two games. Rider, meanwhile, opened their tournament by holding Arizona State to a scoreless draw in Tempe, and a similar result here would not hurt them.
UCF started this game with mucho gusto and took a very early lead when captain and attacking mid Jessy G. scored on a wonderful half-volley inside barely four minutes. UCF continued to pile the pressure on, and were unlucky to not have doubled their lead when striker Fayez drew a fine save from Rider keeper Reddia. However, the Broncs would equalize on 32 minutes through their captain Kristian G. The match stayed that way going into the break.
UCF started the second half as they did the first, with all guns blazing. The Knights re-took the lead when striker Monica W. scored her second in two games in the 63rd minute. Monica benefited from a lack of concentration in the Rider defense to poke the loose ball past Reddia. Rider began the search for a second equalizer, and nearly got it when a corner brought a Drew S. header that was saved by UCF keeper Gabo T. before coming back off the crossbar. However, in the fifth minute of stoppage time, they would score that crucial second leveler through midfielder Chris C. The goal totally stunned the home Knights fans who were dismayed to have to settle for a draw.
FINAL SCORE: UCF 2-2 Rider
GOALS: Jessy G. 4’, Monica W. 63’; Kristian G. 32’, Chris C. 90’ + 5
The other Group B game featured the Binghamton Bearcats at home against the Arizona State Sun Devils. Binghamton are coming off an impressive road victory against UCF, and a win in front of their home fans would see them through to the second round no matter what. ASU were fresh off a boring scoreless draw where they were unable to break down a stubborn Rider defense. A win here would give them a serious boost of confidence.
Binghamton, in green and white stripes, controlled the game against ASU in yellow from the outset. Binghamton turned on the pressure when midfielder Mike R. drew a good save from ASU keeper Oscar H. after eight minutes. Bearcats defender Ebony nearly scored from a corner three minutes later, but her header flashed just over the bar. Bing eventually found their opener through left midfielder Nate B. in the 33rd when he dribbled past two defenders before releasing a powerful left-footed shot past Oscar.
The second half saw ASU mounting some pressure of their own when striker Donny A. tried with the outside of his weaker foot, his audacious attempt just zipping past the post of Bearcats keeper Yarido. The Sun Devils had another great chance when right mid Ciera L. saw her shot come back off the post. However, Bing killed the game off in the 81st when substitute Victor N. scored only minutes after coming on. The result meant that Binghamton not only became the second team to book a Sweet 16 spot with a game to spare, but also were guaranteed of winning the group, marking an impressive Cup by their standards. Arizona State, meanwhile, have to win and hope that Rider doesn’t beat Binghamton in order to advance.
FINAL SCORE: Binghamton 2-0 Arizona State
GOALS: Nate B. 33’, Victor N. 81’
Group B standings
- Binghamton Bearcats 2-0-0, 4 GS/1 GA, +3 GD, 6 Pts
- Rider Broncs 0-2-0, 2 GS/GA, 0 GD, 2 Pts
- Central Florida Knights 0-1-1, 3 GS/4 GA, -1 GD, 1 Pt
- Arizona State Sun Devils 0-1-1, 0 GS/2 GA, -2 GD, 1 Pt
Hi! I am so curious about where you ended up choosing to go! I read through all the posts, though I’m not a big sports fan so I skimmed over those. Did you mention it? What happened with you and your dad? Where you able to convince him about going away? My daughter has ADD, and she has the whole organizational, executive functioning struggle, though extremely smart and tests very well. She has always had trouble with handing in assignments on time, losing things, but I must say she has improved tremendously. I am a psychologist so I see her from both the perspective of a mom but also as sort of through the eyes of a professional, though I can’t say I am completely objective. I wanted to tell you about how I saw her dilemma with applying/deciding for colleges. I thought it might help you a bit, perhaps as you proceed. Her two major schools that she had on her list as her top choices, well one was far, a plane ride away with a lot of driving thrown in for good measure (University of Missouri - Journalism program which is a top program probably in the world and the other was University of Delaware.) She got into U. of Missouri or MIZZOU as it is referred to in college lingo) quite early on in the process. I should start by saying that I actually bribed her to visit University of Delaware, as she felt it was too close to home (we are from NY.) U of Del was the first school we visited, she fell in love very quickly and by the end of the day of touring on a cold, rainy day, she was so strongly connected to the school, she became fearful of not getting in. When we visited Univ. of Missouri, about 8 weeks later, she visited as an admitted student, and she was growing more unsure about her chances at U of Del. She loved MIZZOU also, and was extremely impressed by the Journalism Department. She was sure MIZZOU was where she should set her roots. As time passed, with still no word from Univ. of Delaware, she because more sure and confident about MIZZOU. During the last week in March, she got accepted to the Univ. of Delaware Spring semester 2016, with a wait list option for Fall, 2015, and also an offer to attend their American University program for the Fall, so that she would not lose any time with credits.
I have to say I was torn. I was worried about her ADD and how it would impact her being far from home, even with simple things like catching a plane, getting to the airport on time, etc., but we spent a lot of time this year working on her organization, etc. I loved the idea of being a car ride away should she need me. But I must say, here is where I differ from your father’s point of view. I feel that any experience is a learning one, and that if I allow her choices she will rise to the occasion, rather than imposing restrictions based on my fears. Her ADD will be something she will most likely be impacted by for the rest of her life, so I see these choices as opportunities. I wanted her to pick the school she felt was the best fit. She ended up picking Univ. of Delaware, after initially holding on to the MIZZOU comfort level she had attained. But, I think she is thrilled that both her Dad and I put the decision firmly in her hands. By doing so, I believe it makes her even more committed to strengthening the weaknesses that impact her. If she felt my control, I think it would work the opposite way. Anyway, I hope it works out for you and that your Dad really considers all these options and the messages it sends you. I wish you the best!
@NewYorkMama hello! No, I have not decided as of yet, but I am pretty close to doing so. I plan on depositing somewhere within the next two weeks. My dad hasn’t really said much about my judgment in recent weeks, which I guess is a good sign. I also haven’t pressured him to deposit anywhere in a while because last time I did so, he felt I was giving him attitude. 
I’m really happy for your daughter that she ended up where SHE wanted to. I also did not know that UDel had any sort of affiliation with American University! That’s really nice, to be honest. Anyways, this fictional soccer tournament is how I’m announcing my last three admissions results, and the winner of the tournament will be where I will matriculate next fall. Thank you for the comment, and stay tuned!
@lbad96 Looking forward to hearing the winner!
Me too, Lbad96! Didn’t realize this was going to be climactic and tied in with your choice… how clever!
Wow, I’ve missed a lot of posts lol. Well, let’s get to it then. Bear with me, everyone!
The second round of LBad Cup group stage matches continued on Saturday with another four games on the slate. First, we go to Group C, where the Syracuse Orange went head-to-head with the Clark Cougars in the Carrier Dome. Cuse dismantled lowly Fairleigh Dickinson in the opener and would qualify for the knockout stages with a win. Clark, meanwhile, played a 1-1 draw with TCNJ to start off and knew that anything more than a loss would be nothing short of miraculous.
The away team kicked off in black shirts and red shorts, the home team in their famous all-orange kit. Syracuse striker Bobby J., twice scorer on opening day, tested Clark goalie Dylan M. early and often in the opening period, but Dylan proved his resolve with save after save. Midfielder Shauna I., who was rewarded for her closing goal in the last game with a place in the starting lineup ahead of an injured Courtney W., also had a notable chance that hit the corner of the bar before coming back off. The match remained scoreless going into the half.
In the second, Clark were peppered more and more, with Dylan once again having to make fine saves from Bobby and Jimmy G. Right full back Rachel H. served up a great cross for Courtney R. in the 76th, but she couldn’t turn her header into the net. Syracuse captain Kenny F., who came on as a sub due to injury concerns, saw his right-footed half-volley just barely parried away by Dylan on 83 minutes. It was after this chance that the Cougars finally had some chances of their own, with opening-day-scoring left mid Jordan J. played a great give-and-go with striker Jenni Z. before his effort hit the post. Jenni came very close herself in the final minute of stoppage time, but Cuse keeper Gerald B. saved her close-range header. Everyone in the stadium was absolutely stunned at the fact that the Orange’s inability to put anything past Dylan, the Cougars keeper undoubtedly taking home a deserved Man of the Match award at the end.
FINAL SCORE: Syracuse 0-0 Clark
Elsewhere, the TCNJ Lions had an all-New Jersey matchup with the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in Ewing. TCNJ, in yellow, came in after a 1-1 draw with Clark knowing that a win would be crucial before the tilt with Syracuse. Fairleigh Dickinson, meanwhile in red, faced an uphill battle to stave off automatic elimination with attacking mid Vickie T. suspended.
TCNJ controlled the game from the outset, giving FDU keeper Max P. a lot to do. Lions striker Tara R. opened the scoring in the 12th minute with an excellent solo run through the shoddy Knights backline. Tara had another few shots saved by Max within a few minutes of each other. Defensive midfielder Jim H., scorer of the equalizer against Clark, added to his tally on 29 minutes with a header from a Tara corner. The game went into the break with TCNJ 2-0 up.
FDU tried to pull one back after the interval when striker Christian M. saw his header zip past TCNJ keeper Danny H.…and the post. Right midfielder Kaila S. had her effort parried away by Danny in the 56th. TCNJ continued their own surges, and striker Ron I. had an effort with his right foot barely skimming the post. TCNJ continued to plug away, and Tara put the contest to bed by completing her brace in the 80th minute. The win gave TCNJ a huge momentum boost heading into the final group match against Syracuse. Meanwhile, Fairleigh Dickinson became the first team to be eliminated from the LBad Cup, their final game against Clark being nothing more than an attempt to regain whatever pride they ever had.
FINAL SCORE: TCNJ 3-0 FDU
GOALS: Tara R. 12’, 80’, Jim H. 29’
Group C standings
- Syracuse Orange 1-1-0, 4 GS/0 GA, +4 GD, 4 Pts
- TCNJ Lions 1-1-0, 4 GS/1 GA, +3 GD, 4 Pts
- Clark Cougars 0-2-0, 1 GS/GA, 0 GD, 2 Pts
- Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 0-0-2, 0 GS/7 GA, -7 GD, 0 Pts
Next, in Group D, the Penn State Nittany Lions entered a duel with the Michigan State Spartans at Beaver Stadium. Both teams were fighting to stave off the scary prospect of an early elimination. Both teams switched their formation and made personnel changes from their opening matches, but would they pay off?
Penn State in all-navy, MSU in white shirts and green shorts. Penn State had a majority of the possession, and they pressured Spartans keeper Charley H. quite often. Right midfielder Jon F., scorer of the opener in the ill-fated loss to Colorado, had a great curling effort beat away by Charley in the eighth minute. Penn State continued piling on the pressure, and it told when striker Emily H. opened the scoring in the 32nd with a neat chip on a breakaway. Emily quickly added a second just five minutes later with an excellent turnaround shot. The Nittany Lions roared their team into halftime.
The second half posed more of an MSU threat, with striker Warren H. curler just swerving past Penn State keeper Andrew M. Andrew, who missed the opening game with a thigh injury, again was called into action in the 60th when Spartans midfielder Salvatore attempted a screamer. Despite MSU’s attempts to get back in the game, all was said and done in the 88th minute when Emily completed the second hattrick of the Cup. The result meant that Penn State were still alive heading into their final game against Bentley, while Michigan State suffered the embarrassment of being the second team mathematically eliminated from the competition.
FINAL SCORE: Penn State 3-0 Michigan State
GOALS: Emily H. 32’, 37’, 88’
Finally, the Colorado Buffaloes continued their tournament at their own Folsom Stadium against the Bentley Falcons. Both teams opened their tournament with impressive victories against Penn State and Michigan State respectively, and either team could qualify for the knockout stages with a second win.
Colorado kicked off in white-and-black striped shirts and black pants, against Bentley in blue. Colorado had the better of the opening exchanges, an edge that was reflected when defender Mark S. headed a bullet past Bentley keeper Luigi off a corner in the 28th minute. The Buffalo crowd immediately became very raucous and loud at the sight of that goal. Bentley’s Dave S. and Ian J., scorers in the win over MSU, played a nice one-two with one another before Dave’s shot was saved by Colorado keeper Alex K. The match was in favor of the home side heading into the break.
Bentley began to continue their attacking play in the second half, demanding a more equal share of the possession. Striker Brooke K. had a shot just fly past Alex’s goal, and Ian also had another chance begging. However, the Falcons eventually equalized on 77 minutes through substitute forward Ali Y. Colorado, being spurred on by the home fans, narrowly missed the chance for a winner near the end when Lindsey P.‘s shot scuffed a volley. The game finished level at one apiece, with both teams in pretty favorable positions to advance.
FINAL SCORE: Colorado 1-1 Bentley
GOALS: Mark S. 28’; Ali Y. 77’
Group D standings
- Bentley Falcons 1-1-0, 3 GS/1 GA, +2 GD, 4 Pts
- Colorado Buffaloes 1-1-0, 3 GS/2 GA, +1 GD, 4 Pts
- Penn State Nittany Lions 1-0-1, 4 GS/2 GA, +2 GD, 3 Pts
- Michigan State Spartans 0-0-2, 0 GS/5 GA, -5 GD, 0 Pts
Wow!!
roaring ahead!
The second round of LBad Cup group stage play continued on Sunday, April 5th with four games. First, we head to the Bronx, where the Fordham Rams hosted the Miami Ohio Redhawks at Yankee Stadium in Group E. Both teams had contrasting fortunes to start their tournaments; the Rams beat Loyola MD 2-0, while the Redhawks somehow let a 1-0 halftime lead over Stetson turn into a 2-1 home loss. Fordham would qualify for the knockout stages with another win, Miami Ohio would be eliminated with another loss.
Fordham in all-maroon, Miami Ohio in all-white. Fordham had a good share of the early possession and chances, and took the lead in the 33rd minute through forward Calum D. when he slotted a through ball from Kevin E. into the bottom corner. Miami Ohio’s Lauren O. almost equalized before halftime, but the match went to the break in favor of the Rams.
The second half, however, was a different story. Miami began to have chances of their own, and leveled the scores after an hour through Lauren. Fordham had chances to regain the lead, all of which were saved by Redhawks keeper Roger U. The game then had a turning point when Fordham midfielder Kevin got his second yellow card for a poor tackle on Miami captain Madison Y. Miami scored immediately from the resulting free kick, midfielder James B. sliding to meet a Quinn D. cross and best Fordham keeper Gerry T. Fordham tried to recover from this double whammy, and things did seem to go their way again when the referee awarded them a penalty in the 84th. However, Jamie Z. saw her shot saved by Roger. At the final whistle, Miami celebrated their most important win, while Fordham were left a bit shell-shocked. Miami can go through with a victory against Loyola on the final day, while Fordham would be eliminated with a loss to Stetson.
FINAL SCORE: Fordham 1-2 Miami Ohio
GOALS: Calum D. 33’; Lauren O. 60’, James B. 73’
The second Group E affair featured the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds squaring off against the Stetson Hatters at the M&T Stadium in Baltimore. Once again, both teams had different fortunes to start off. Loyola would be eliminated with a loss, Stetson would go through with a win.
Loyola, in gray, started off against Stetson, in green. Loyola once again had more possession and chances in the opening half, all of which were saved by Stetson keeper Regis S. The visitors once again took the lead against the run of play when Colombian striker Jesus A. scored his second goal in as many games in the 36th minute. Captain Jessica C. and fellow midfielder Brianna M. were both once again frustrated as their chances went begging.
The second half was continued frustration for the Greyhounds, as shot after shot was only met with save after save from Regis. Loyola’s frustration reached a head when left back Lauren A. was sent off for a rough challenge on JaQualla in the 62nd minute. The Hatters eventually added a second when Aurora J. drove a left-footed shot past Loyola keeper Ronny X. in the 79th. Loyola eventually got one back through substitute Megan M., but it was too little, too late. Stetson impressively and deservedly became the third team to book a place in the Sweet Sixteen, while Loyola, in front of their home fans, embarrassingly became the third team to be doomed to an early exit.
FINAL SCORE: Loyola MD 1-2 Stetson
GOALS: Megan M. 83’; Jesus A. 36’, Aurora J. 79’
Group E standings
- Stetson Hatters 2-0-0, 3 GS/1 GA, +2 GD, 6 Pts
- Fordham Rams 1-0-1, 3 GS/2 GA, +1 GD, 3 Pts
- Miami Ohio Redhawks 1-0-1, 3 GS/GA, 0 GD, 3 Pts
- Loyola Maryland Greyhounds 0-0-2, 1 GS/4 GA, -3 GD, 0 Pts
The second games in Group F also took place, with the Pittsburgh Panthers at their own Heinz Field facing the UNC Wilmington Seahawks. Both teams won rather easily on opening day, and the winner would qualify for the Sweet 16 automatically.
Pitt in yellow shirts and navy shorts, UNCW in all-teal. Pitt began the game surging for goal, and had a few shots saved by UNCW keeper Dyshon. The home side continued starting attack after attack, but Dyshon came up big each time. Wilmington had some good chances of their own in the first half through hattrick heroin Olivia C. and Kyle W., but Panthers keeper Quinn T. saved them both and the match was scoreless at the break.
Pitt started the second half continuing their adventurous runs forward, and it paid off when winger Mari G. opened the scoring in the 56th minute. UNCW searched for an equalizer, but the search was left wanting as Anna H. and Brooke R. shots were continously saved by Quinn. Pitt then added a second in the 64th through Billy A.‘s second goal in as many games. The Seahawks did get one back through a brilliant solo run from Sophia S., but there would be no more goals. Pitt booked a place in the next round with some ease, while UNCW, meanwhile, will have to upset Florida State to go through.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 2-1 UNC Wilmington
GOALS: Mari G. 56’, Billy A. 64’; Sophia S. 74’
The day’s final game saw us at the Doak Campbell Stadium, where the Florida State Seminoles hosted the William Paterson Pioneers. Florida State looked to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat at Pitt on opening day, and this was the perfect opponent to feed on, it seemed. William Paterson were absolutely crushed by their 4-0 defeat at Wilmington, and would need something of a miracle to avoid an early exit here.
FSU in all-red, WPU in all-black. FSU absolutely controlled the entire match from the outset with 95% possession, and it told very early on. Captain Andreia S. scored two very quick goals in the first ten minutes, and then completed her hattrick after just fourteen minutes. Pioneers goalie Oswald was once again left helpless by his porous defense, and had to prevent a 4-0 halftime deficit himself when he saved an effort from Seminoles midfielder Johnnie D.
WPU’s torture continued early on in the second half when defensive midfielder Marcus M. was sent off in the 47th minute for an off-ball incident involving Andreia. FSU piled more misery on the Pioneers when Johnnie scored in the 74th. Substitute Lily G. added a fifth two minutes from time. WPU were eliminated, humiliated, and disgraced. FSU, meanwhile, can qualify with a victory over UNCW on the final day.
FINAL SCORE: Florida State 5-0 William Paterson
GOALS: Andreia S. 3’, 8’, 14’, Johnnie D. 74’, Lily G. 88’
Group F standings
- Pittsburgh Panthers 2-0-0, 4 GS/1 GA, +3 GD, 6 Pts
- UNC Wilmington Seahawks/Florida State Seminoles 1-0-1, 5 GS/2 GA, +3 GD, 3 Pts
- William Paterson Pioneers 0-0-2, 0 GS/9 GA, -9 GD, 0 Pts
Whoops, Stetson have scored four goals and conceded two.
lol, your details are amazing!
I had to laugh at WPU’s misfortunes! 
Are the first names all your classmates?
@MYOS1634 I actually feel kinda bad for WPU, they would rather have turned down the invitation if they knew their school was going to be so brutally embarrassed.
As for the names, most are my classmates’ names. Not all of those classmates are from my high school, though. Some are names of actual students at the university that I know. However, Clark, WPU, Butler, ASU, Pace, Hofstra, and Fordham have COMPLETELY randomized names.
Calum D. is pretty creative for a completely made up name for the Fordham team!
The second fixtures of group play in the 2015 LBad Cup concluded on Monday, April 6th with another four games. First, we go to Boston, where the Group G favorites Northeastern Huskies took to the pitch to face the Monmouth Hawks. Northeastern started how everyone expected, with a 3-1 home victory over Butler to start the tournament. Monmouth, meanwhile, saw a 2-0 halftime lead at Seton Hall turn into a 2-2 draw after poor defensive lapses and mistakes. An upset win would put them in a decent position to advance into the Sweet Sixteen, while Northeastern would qualify with a victory.
Northeastern in all-red kicked off against Monmouth in all-white. Northeastern dominated the early proceedings in possession and chances created, but could not find a way past Monmouth keeper Chris A. Instead, Monmouth once again took another early lead when midfielder Julie D. found the back of the net after 20 minutes. Also much like the opening game, Northeastern somehow found themselves behind early despite having more of the possession. Huskies Darko and Briska had shots saved by Chris, and Northeastern went into halftime behind and frustrated.
The second half continued with Northeastern applying more pressure on the visitors, and it very nearly paid off when midfielder and captain Alexander F. had a beautiful curling shot that just skimmed the crossbar. Northeastern finally found their equalizer in the 63rd minute through substitute Andrew B. Andrew played a great give-and-go with Darko before calmly tucking the ball past Chris. Monmouth actually started to attack after that, as both Julie and Brittany M. came close to beating Northeastern keeper Vladimir for a second time. However, the Huskies kept plugging away as well, and found a late winner through Darko’s sumptuous volley from 22 yards. Monmouth tried to search for a stoppage time equalizer, and were so agonizingly close when Andrea R.‘s header was tipped over the bar by Vladimir. Northeastern were made to sweat, but became the fifth team to book a ticket to the Sweet Sixteen after two games.
FINAL SCORE: Northeastern 2-1 Monmouth
GOALS: Andrew B. 63’, Darko 84’; Julie D. 20’
Next, the Butler Bulldogs were at home at the Colts’ Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to face the Seton Hall Pirates. Butler lost to Northeastern, maybe as expected, on opening day. However, a home loss would provide not only embarrassment, but also early elimination. Seton Hall, meanwhile, were riding a wave of momentum after coming back from being two goals down to draw with Monmouth. Would they be able to ride this wave and swashbuckle Butler?
Butler in white shirts and navy shorts, Seton Hall in all-blue. Butler had a great amount of chances in the opening minutes, but Seton Hall keeper Anthony M. was up to the task on each of them. Despite Butler’s control of early proceedings, it was Seton Hall who opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. Striker Yasmine B. was first to a loose ball in the area, and gratefully slammed it home past Bulldogs keeper Jason M. for her second in as many games. The home crowd, stunned, booed their team into the dressing rooms at the break.
Butler began the second half with even more adventure going forward. Midfielder Frank I., who scored Butler’s goal in the defeat to Northeastern, came very close with a looping header that was only just tipped over by Anthony. Danny G. and Tim T. also were barely denied by Anthony. Seton Hall midfielder Quincy E. very nearly doubled their lead, but his close-range header was denied by Butler keeper Yancy. Frank eventually found Butler’s equalizer a minute from full time. The Bulldogs’ LBad Cup bid was saved by the skin of its teeth, and must now beat Monmouth to advance while hoping the Pirates, now victims of a comeback draw, have certainly lost all momentum heading into the group finale against Northeastern.
FINAL SCORE: Butler 1-1 Seton Hall
GOALS: Frank I. 89’; Yasmine B. 33’
Group G standings
- Northeastern Huskies 2-0-0, 5 GS/2 GA, +3 GD, 6 Pts
- Seton Hall Pirates 0-2-0, 3 GS/GA, 0 GD, 2 Pts
- Monmouth Hawks 0-1-1, 3 GS/4 GA, -1 GD, 1 Pt
- Butler Bulldogs 0-1-1, 2 GS/4 GA, -2 GD, 1 Pt
The second games in Group H were also played. The Quinnipiac Bobcats faced the Pace Setters in Connecticut. Both teams drew their opening games, albeit in very different fashions; Quinnipiac were unlucky to not win, Pace were lucky to avoid defeat. Could Quinnipiac deliver on their wonderful promise or would Pace provide a shock?
Quinnipiac, in yellow, attacked Pace in blue from the very first minute. Midfielder Alyssa V., who scored the equalizer against Montclair, very nearly added to her tally with an early shot that tested Pace keeper Evan T. The Bobcats did get on board in the 27th minute when captain Nick G. scored an early candidate for goal of the tournament. The left winger unleashed a 31-yard right-footed curler that went in off the underside of the crossbar. Pace could muster no chances of their own before the break.
The second half began with more and more QU domination. They added a second in the 51st minute when Nick scored a brace. Pace tried to have some chances of their own, but they just could not trouble Bobcats keeper Matt G. The Setters tried and tried, but Matt was not flustered. Quinnipiac added a third in stoppage time through left back Brittany K. The Bobcats now have one foot in the Sweet Sixteen and can qualify with a draw.
FINAL SCORE: Quinnipiac 3-0 Pace
GOALS: Nick G. 27’, 51’, Brittany K. 90’
The final match of the day was between the Montclair State Redhawks and the Hofstra Pride in New Jersey. Montclair had the lead for an hour against Quinnipiac but could not hold on in the end. Hofstra, however, misfired on all cylinders.
Montclair in white-and-red striped shirts and red shorts, Hofstra in all-yellow. The game started off an an even keel, with some nice end-to-end action. Hofstra got on the board first through midfielder Lissy L. in the 38th minute. Montclair then equalized just two minutes later, center back Raquel H. rising highest to head a corner into the back of the net.
The second half continued in the same vein, and although Montclair players Sam O. and Danny M. had fantastic chances to turn the match on its head, neither could beat Pride keeper Fran M. The Redhawks would later rue their chances as an Alexis S. low drive gave Hofstra the lead again. Striker Zander K. added a third ten minutes from time. Hofstra are now in a favorable position to advance. Pace, meanwhile, after their drubbing at the hands of QU, must find some way to try and make up the goal difference at Montclair in the group finale.
FINAL SCORE: Montclair 1-3 Hofstra
GOALS: Raquel H. 40’; Lissy L. 38’, Alexis S. 61’, Zander K. 80’
Group H standings
- Quinnipiac Bobcats 1-1-0, 4 GS/1 GA, +3 GD, 4 Pts
- Hofstra Pride 1-1-0, 3 GS/1 GA, +2 GD, 4 Pts
- Montclair State Redhawks 0-1-1, 2 GS/4 GA, -2 GD, 1 Pt
- Pace Setters 0-1-1, 0 GS/3 GA, -3 GD, 1 Pt