The AU women’s soccer team clinched the fifth seed in the Patriot League tournament after losing its season finale at Colgate 2-1 on Nov. 2.
AU (6-11-1, 4-4-1 PL) scored the first goal of the game with less than three minutes left in the first half as a Colgate defender managed to score an own goal. The goal was credited to sophomore midfielder Kelly Donovan who touched it last, helping AU go into the halftime break leading 1-0.
In the second half, AU’s slim lead was erased quickly as Colgate’s Emily Manoogian scored in the 55th minute to tie the game. The game remained tied until Colgate (10-6-1, 6-2-1 PL) gained a 2-1 lead in the 80th minute that would end up being the final score. The goal was credited to Colgate’s Sarah Coy.
Colgate bested AU in shots with 17 shots and seven shots on goal while AU had 13 shots overall and five shots on goal. Colgate also had eight corner kicks compared to AU’s three.
The shot leader for AU was Donovan with three and while Colgate’s shot leader Jenna Panepinto had four. AU junior goalkeeper Charlene Belanger had five saves, giving her 95 saves for the season, ranking second in the conference. Colgate’s goalkeeper Brenna Mason had four saves.
This is the first time the Eagles have reached the Patriot League consecutively since the 2001 to 2004 season when the Eagles made the tournament four years in a row.
AU will open the tournament by taking on the No. 4 seed U.S. Military Academy Nov. 4 in West Point, N.Y.
