Nov. 2, 2008

Final Stats |   

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina women's soccer team needed penalty kicks to advance to the second round of the Southern Conference tournament outlasting Elon after ending 110 minutes of play in a 1-1 tie. The Catamounts, thanks to a 4-3 edge in tie-breaking penalty kicks, earned the right to advance to the semi-finals of the Southern Conference Tournament in the thrilling quarterfinal match-up held at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

"We played very well during this match but to Elon's credit they stayed competitive though out," said head coach Tammy DeCesare.

The Catamounts struck first in the second half when in the 79th minute junior Shanna Schmoker dribbled inside the box and passed to teammate Rachael Shomper who one-timed it past the Phoenix keeper Lizz Johnson for the 1-0 lead.

Elon answered in the 84th minute of play when an unfortunate hand-ball inside the box by Western Carolina set-up a penalty kick for the Phoenix. Forward Susannah Gianakos beat the Catamounts keeper Caitlin Williams in the right corner off the penalty kick to tie the score at 1-1.

Looking for the go-ahead goal, WCU had an opportunity in the 88th minute when junior Bri Cunningham had a header shot on goal but Phoenix keeper Johnson came up with the save to preserve the tie through regulation play.

In the first overtime, Western Carolina again had an opportunity to end the match when Schmoker had a shot attempt on goal but Johnson came up with the save. In the second overtime the Catamounts had two more chances with their best chance coming when senior Buki Baruwa lined a shot on goal but Johnson again came up with the save to send the match into a shootout.

As per NCAA tie-breaking policy, five kickers from each side squared off, going one-on-one with the opposition's goal-keeper in a best of five series. Elon went first in the shootout and scored to make it 1-0 Phoenix. Junior Nikki Lombardo answered, scoring to even the score 1-1.

Next, the Phoenix hit the post on their second attempt, while junior Shanna Schmoker laced a shot that Phoenix keeper Johnson saved to even things again. The third attempt by Elon was missed after a great save from sophomore Caitlin Williams to keep the score 1-1. Senior Arlan Whittle then scored to give the Catamounts a 2-1 lead in the shootout. Elon scored on their fourth attempt to tie the score at 2-2. Freshman Kayla Beauduy scored on her attempt to give WCU the lead back in PKs at 3-2.

On Elon's final attempt, the Phoenix tied the score again at 3-3 to set up the Catamounts final shooter. With one final chance, Western Carolina trotted out junior Bri Cunningham who delivered the game-winning goal that sent Cunningham to her knees in jubilation

"We were in a similar situation last year and we answered the call," DeCesare said. "This win is a credit to my players."

The Catamounts dominated the shots leading 20-to-6 while allowing just one shot through regulation against the Phoenix and included WCU out shooting Elon, 10-to-0, in the first half of play.

Western Carolina will return to action on Friday November 7 facing No. 4 Samford, which also needed PKs to down the College of Charleston Sunday evening in Birmingham, Ala. Game time is set for 7:00 pm at Patriots Point in Charleston, S.C.

2008 Southern Conference Women's Soccer Tournament

First Round: Sunday - November 2
Game 1 - #1 UNC Greensboro 6, #8 Appalachian State 0
Game 2 - #5 Furman 1, #4 Davidson 0
Game 3 - #2 Western Carolina 1, #7 Elon 1 - WCU wins 4-3 on PKs
Game 4 - #3 Samford 0, #6 College of Charleston 0 - Samford wins 3-1 on PKs

Semifinals: Friday - November 7
Game 5 - #1 UNC Greensboro vs. #5 Furman, 4:30 pm
Game 6 - #2 Western Carolina vs. #3 Samford, 7:00 pm

Sunday - November 9
Championship Match - 1:00 pm