Women's Soccer ECC Championship Preview 2018

Women's Soccer | | Casey Schermick - Director of Athletic Media Relations

Women's Soccer to Face Bridgeport for ECC Title Saturday

  • Players Mentioned
    • Julia Duffy Bio
      Julia Duffy
      #2
      F
      5' 6"
      Jr.
    • Samantha Gordon Bio
      Samantha Gordon
      #11
      D
      5' 9"
      So.
    • Erin O Bio
      Erin O'Connor
      #27
      F
      5' 9"
      So.
    • Sydney Pasquarella Bio
      Sydney Pasquarella
      #16
      F
      5' 5"
      So.
    • Alice Schonfeldt Bio
      Alice Schonfeldt
      #22
      D/M
      5' 7"
      R-Jr.
    • Paige Sherlock Bio
      Paige Sherlock
      #19
      D
      5' 3"
      Jr.
Date:  Saturday, Nov. 3, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Knights Field | Bridgeport, Conn.
Game Links:  Watch Live | Live Stats 
Twitter: @LIUPostPioneers | @LIUPWSOC
LIU Post Links: News | Roster | Schedule | Stats
Bridgeport Links: News | Roster | Schedule | Stats 
 
THE FIRST LOOK

The LIU Post women's soccer team (13-2-3) is coming off an emotional high with a double-overtime victory against second-seeded and nationally-ranked Mercy College on Wednesday. Sophomore Erin O'Connor netted the game-winner during the 106th minute of action to lift the Pioneers to the championship match for the third-consecutive season. Junior Julia Duffy also found the back of the net during the second half to level the scoring and help send the game to extra time.
 
Bridgeport (13-4-1) easily handled fourth-seeded Daemen College during the semifinals, finding the back of the net three times during the second half to earn a 4-0 victory. Maegen Doyle scored twice and added an assist for the Purple Knights who outshot the Wildcats, 36-1 in the contest.

INSIDE THE SERIES
 
Saturday will be the 31st meeting between the two squads with Bridgeport holding a 17-10-3 advantage. The Pioneers bested the Purple Knights during the ECC semifinals last season, but Bridgeport has won seven of the last eight matchups overall. Overall, LIU Post is 3-9-1 at Knights Field, most recently earning a victory during the 2003 season.
 
During the most recent matchup, Bridgeport came from behind during the second half to earn a 2-1 victory in a game played at Hofstra University on Sept. 15. Sophomore Samantha Gordon scored the lone goal for the Pioneers during the 50th minute of action. Since the setback, LIU Post has compiled a 14-match unbeaten streak.
 
SCOUTING REPORT
 
LIU Post

The Pioneers earned a much-needed extra day of recovery after the championship match was postponed until Saturday evening. Despite gaining a huge momentum boost with a double-overtime victory against No. 7 Mercy College, it was a very physically draining match with both sides looking to counter whenever possible.
 
It was another extraordinarily strong defensive effort, despite the Mavericks snapping the Pioneers scoreless streak of over 500 minutes. The defense will need to continue its strong efforts on Saturday as the Green and Gold look to capture its first conference title since the 2010 season. The back line, led by senior Alice Schonfeldt, junior Paige Sherlock, sophomore Sydney Pasquarella, and Gordon, has held opponents to 0.78 goals per game this season.

Bridgeport
 
Junior Maegen Doyle has been the main offensive weapon for the Purple Knights, ranking fourth in Division II with 21 goals this season. Doyle netted the game-winner during the first matchup in September. Classmate Nara Dacosta added 10 goals while fellow junior Elin Eklow leads the team with four assists. As a team, Bridgeport ranks 11th in Division II with 3.11 goals per game.
 
Although the Purple Knights boast a strong offense, Bridgeport is allowing 1.17 goals per game defensively despite recording eight shutouts. Opponents have scored two or more goals during six games this season, and the Pioneers will look to capitalize on those offensive chances Saturday.
 
Senior Jennifer Wendelius has played every minute in goal for the Purple Knights, compiled a .798 save percentage, making 83 saves in total.
 
TICKET INFORMATION

Admission will be charged for all fans in attendance for the ECC tournament. Tickets for adults will be $6 and students with valid I.D., senior citizens, and children will be admitted for $2. Children under the age of five will be admitted free of charge.  
 
 
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