After 110 minutes of 1-1 action, the first Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Championship semifinal between the Fordham Rams and George Mason Patriots was decided in a penalty kick shootout. Though she missed a penalty kick in regulation, Fordham midfielder
Jessica Widmann's shootout conversion sent the Rams into the Atlantic 10 Championship game on Sunday, as Fordham won the shootout, 4-2.
It will mark Fordham's third Atlantic 10 Championship game appearance, as the Rams also made it to the title game in 2006 and 2007.
Fordham (13-6-1) had the opening chance of the game in the first few minutes, as
Brianna Blunck launched a shot from distance that had to be punched over the bar by George Mason goalkeeper Kirsten Glad. The Rams then got a one-timer chance by
Jessica Widmann in the fourth minute that was just ripped wide to the right of goal.
Despite those chances, George Mason (9-9-2) would break the scoreless tie in the 38
th minute off a set piece. Kaila Williams took the corner kick from the left side, finding Sarah Hardison for a header that found the bottom right corner of the net and her tenth goal of the season.
Fordham came out with high pressure in the second half, launching a number of shots at the George Mason keeper, and eventually tied the game in the 59
th minute.
Ivana Lahcanski launched a high cross from the left side sideline, which deflected off the back of a Mason defender. Widmann pounced on the loose ball, scoring her 12
th goal of the season inside the left post.
The Rams then had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 73
rd minute, as Fordham was awarded a penalty kick after Widmann was fouled in the box. Widmann stepped to the penalty spot, but the kick sailed high and left, leaving the game tied at one.
Jessica Widmann The go-ahead goal was not found in regulation, pushing the game into overtime, where neither team could find the decider forcing the second penalty kick shootout of the Championship.
George Mason began the shootout with a hard shot by Hardison that Fordham goalkeeper
Megan Fitzgerald got a piece of, but went in for a 1-0 edge.
Ally Doyle then stepped to the penalty spot for Fordham and calmly knotted the shootout at one.
Daniela Neves was next for the Patriots and her shot to the left side of goal was snagged by Fitzgerald for the save.
Nicole Bates then put Fordham ahead, 2-1, as she converted on the Rams' second penalty kick.
Fitzgerald came up big again, stoning Emma Starr on the Patriots' third penalty kick, while
Brianna Blunck made it 3-for-3 for the Fordham defenders to take a 3-1 edge.
After George Mason made it 3-2, Widmann redeemed herself for her earlier miss, putting home the fourth and final penalty kick to send Fordham into the Atlantic 10 Championship game on Sunday.
In addition to the two shootout stops, Fitzgerald made four saves during the 110 minutes of action, while Kirsten Glad had five for the Patriots.
The Rams now advance to the Atlantic 10 Championship game on Sunday against Duquesne at noon at Davidson's Alumni Soccer Stadium. The game will be televised by the American Sports Network and seen in the New York area on SNY (SportsNet NY) or can be viewed on-line on the Atlantic 10 Digital Network.
