NCAA Tournament

This past weekend the team traveled to Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania to play in the 1st and 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament. The drive was long and the weather was cold but our Crusaders fought through all the adversity to prove themselves.

On Saturday November 15th at 1:30 we kicked off against Gettysburg College. We started off slow and timid but as time went on the girls found their edge and began to play as a team. Despite Gettysburg's 6 shots on goal to our 1 in the first half , our defense held strong and stopped all of their attacks. In the second half we stepped up our offensive game and tallied up 5 shots on goal to the Gettysburg's 6. At the end of regular time the game was still scoreless and we went into overtime. Our team was patient and smart as we managed the game while trying to attack and create scoring opportunities. At the end of 2 overtimes neither team had scored so we moved to PKs.

Gettysburg's first shooter came up to the plate and made her shot. Our first shooter was Emily Krause who calmly shot to the left post and made it. Gettysburg's second shooter also made it. Our second shooter was Kaitlyn Semelsberger who also made her shot as did the Gettysburg's shooter. Our third shooter, Jackie Kelly, hit the ball nicely but the Gettysburg keeper got a hand on it and saved it. Gettysburg's shooter made it her shot, while Shelby Johnson followed up with a great hit that went in. Gettysburg's next shot was saved by Kim Leitch who made the game even. Monique Hanayik stepped up next and placed her ball nicely in the net. The next Gettysburg shooter hit her ball over the goal and then Maura Fortino stepped up to take her shot. She hit it perfectly in the side of the net winning the game 5-4! After a quick celebration we started to prepare for our next match against Messiah.

 

 

The girls were tired and sore from playing 110 minutes on Saturday but new they had to start preparing for Messiah on Sunday! Our game began at 5pm and immediately we realized how much of a battle this game would be. Messiah came out guns blazing and much more rested than our girls. Even though they had an advantage our team hung in there and gave Messiah a challenge. We took a little while to adjust to the speed of play and in the first half we gave up 2 goals. At half time however our girls rallied together and decided not to give up and to fight back. They wanted to leave their mark and prove that they deserved to be in this game.

 

When they stepped on the field it was a completely different team than the first  half. They were organized, strong, and played quickly. Unfortunately we gave up an early goal on a goalkeeping error, but our team did not sit back. Only 2 minutes after Messiah's goal we were back in their half fighting for the ball and creating chances. Maura Fortino was scrapping in the box against a Messiah defender and miraculously got the ball to Mary Bushee who took a shot. It was deflected by a Messiah defender and rolled to the top of the box. Chloe Brown ran onto the ball, struck it one time and placed it far post!!

 

The game went on as we fought hard and kept attacking and creating chances. Even though our effort was there, we were unable to score again. The final score was 1-5 which does not accurately depict the game at all.

 

This team dug down deep and went out giving everything they had. They never sat back or admitted defeat and they played until the last seconds of the game. This season has been a great journey and has proven the character and heart of our players. They have done tremendous things as a team as well as individually and we cannot wait to continue to grow in the future.

 

Thank you to everyone who travelled, watched, and supported us on this incredible journey.

GO CRUSADERS

 



NCAA Selection Show

Yesterday, Monday November 10th at 1pm was the NCAA Selection Show which revealed all of the pods, who teams played, and where they are being sent!

We have been placed in a pod with Brooklyn, Gettysburg, and Messiah. On November 15th we head to Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania to face off against Gettysburg in the first round. Below is the link to the announcement along with our bracket!

Follow along with us as we take the next step in our season and continue the journey of excellence!

GO CRUSADERS!

 

 

 

 

 

OAC Championship

Today we faced off against Baldwin Wallace to fight for the conference title. Our team was ready for battle and to walk away as champions once again. We came out of the gates with full force and attacked quickly and effectively! In the second minute Claire Quinn played a diagonal flighted ball that broke the BW back line. Shelby Johnson ran onto it, dribbled right at the keeper, and placed the ball past  her putting us on the board! As we all rejoiced the girls rallied up and decided to continue the quick pace and offensive pressure. In the third minute Becca Cartmill found herself with the ball in the middle of the field and passed it wide to Morgan Austin, who left her place at right back, and advanced up the field with pace. As she dribble towards goal she saw an opportunity and shot the ball which soared into the far post! With the score 2-0 our Crusaders received higher pressure and physicality from the BW team. There was a tremendous battle through the midfield and each team fought to keep possession and attack the opposing goals. Even though the game was tougher and more physical, Amanda Kachaylo, among others, fought through it and helped us to our third goal. She received the ball out on the right flank and took on the BW defender who she blew past on the dribble. As she approached the end line she slotted the ball back towards the pk spot and Mary Bushee ran on, hit it one time, and scored! We ended the half 3-0.

The whole team anticipated that the BW players would come out stronger and harder than the first half and they did. Early in the half we allowed them a corner kick which resulted in a scramble in the box. Despite the BW efforts, our Crusaders cleared the ball and reorganized to keep the ball away from our goal. The battle continued and the game went back and forth between the teams. In the 67th minute however we took our efforts and made them count! Emily Krause received the ball, turned a defender and crossed the ball into the box. Shelby Johnson ran onto the pass, hit it one time, and placed it into the near post! Although we scored and had exceptional efforts afterwards, the BW attack snuck one past us in the 69th minute. After their goal the whole team stepped it up and finished the game strong. As the minutes counted down we knew that we had the game! Once it was over the girls stormed the field as they captured their 3rd conference championship in 4 years!

This win truly was a team effort and every player made it possible for us to win the championship! Not only did we come out strong but we ended strong as well! Tomorrow Monday November 10th at 1pm is the NCAA pooling where we will find out who our next opponent is! Stay up to date with us as we embark on another NCAA tournament run! A huge thank you for everyone who has supported us along this journey and will continue to support us as we advance!

Semi-Finals vs. ONU

Yesterday afternoon we took the trip to Ohio Northern University to play in the Semi-Finals of the OAC Tournament. ONU beat us in the regular season 0-1 at home and our team knew how important it was to win the game and prove that we deserve to advance to the final. Despite the rain and wind our girls fought hard through the challenges and walked away with another W!

As the game began it became clear that it would be a battle for possession and the team that could attack at speed the most effectively would be the victors. The first few minutes was back and forth with both teams attacking and trying to get the competitive advantage and control the game. We started off a little slow and allowed ONU to accumulate 4 corner kicks within 20 minutes. On the flip side we prevented every attack, defended hard and kept the game scoreless at the half.

In the second half the weather picked up and made the field exceptionally slick with gusts of wind that manipulated the ball. The girls knew that they had 45 minutes to seal the deal and began the half attempting to gain control over the play. Again however we came out slow while ONU came out fast and attacked our goal with vengeance. Our defending however kept strong and between our back line and our keeper, Kim Leitch, we stopped all of their attempts. Half way through, we began to play our game and started winning the 50/50 balls out of the air and distributing creatively to our forwards. We attacked at speed and took it to their defense and keeper showing our true skill and heart. After many shots on goals that were either saved, deflected, or wide we finally set up an opportunity in the 70th minute and capitalized. Shelby Johnson won the ball wide of the goal, dribbled across the face and shot far post beating the keeper! After the goal we buckled down on defense and managed the game until the time ran out. As the announcer counted down the final seconds the team rejoiced and stormed the field celebrating the win!

With the win against ONU we advance to the conference championship which will be held at Bernlohr Stadium at Capital University against Baldwin Wallace. The game will take place on Sunday November 9th with a kick off time of 2pm. Lets fill the stands and support our team as they fight for another championship!

GO CRUSADERS!

 

 

First Round OAC Tournament vs. JCU

It was a great day for soccer as we entered the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament today! We faced John Carroll University who stunned us in regular play, beating us with only 40 seconds left in overtime. Today the tables turned however as we walked away with a win advancing us to the semi-finals!

Right off the bat the girls were hyped up and ready to battle for redemption! We started off with high pressure in every third of the field forcing many turnovers. When we won the ball we attacked at speed looking to combine and create opportunities. Within the first 10 minutes alone we had 6 shots on goal, one hitting the post and miraculously saved by the keeper. Although we had a total of 14 shots on goal, a corner kick, and countless chances to take the lead we ended the half tied at zeros.

After a short break at the half the Crusaders were rejuvenated and ready to face another 45 minutes of play. We won 50/50 balls out of our midfield and defense and transitioned quickly into the attack. In the first 10 minutes of play we accumulated a corner kick and 4 shots on goal. The JCU attack accumulated a few corner kicks and shots on goal but our defense held strong and cleared away every chance they had. Towards the end of the half we really pushed our play into gear and racked up another 10 shots on goal with 3 more corner kicks! Despite our clearly dominant possession we were unable to sink the ball into the net, so we went into overtime.

The time started and our players went into overdrive as they chased down every opportunity with a drive unmatched by the JCU team. Only 4 minutes into the game, Becca Cartmill won the ball out of the air and dribbled at goal. She blasted a shot at the keeper who blocked it but knocked it loose. Shelby Johnson, already on her run towards goal, put a foot on it and knocked it past the keeper and their tracking defenders into the net winning the game 1-0! This win was well deserved as the entire team put their whole hearts into this game and were able to redeem themselves against JCU.

We will travel to Ohio Northern University on Thursday, November 6 with a kick off at 4pm for the semi-final game! Although it is an away game we do hope to have our CapFam cheering us on and supporting us! GO CRUSADERS!

11/1/14 vs. Baldwin Wallace

Our last regular season game was held this past Saturday at Bernlohr Stadium against Baldwin Wallace. Since our regular conference play was coming to an end the team knew how important this game was in regards to our conference tournament seed and they had prepared tremendously throughout the previous week.

The Crusaders came out of the gates ready to play hard and battle for this win! Only a couple minutes into play we were set up with a free kick just yards outside BW's box. Claire Quinn placed the ball perfectly at the near post where Mary Bushee ran on, used her body and pushed the ball into the net. As we celebrated the goal the ref, however ended our excitement with an offsides call. A wave of defeat swept across our girls as they tried to shake off the sudden halt in momentum. Around 20 minutes into play we caused a foul around half field. With the wind in Baldwin Wallace's favor, their center back struck the ball and it floated across the field and into the top of our goal. Once BW scored their goal we realized that the rest of the game would be a fight for the win. At the end of the half we were losing 0-1.

The team regrouped and made a point to start and maintain the advantage in the second half. We were determined to even the score and played extremely hard to create many opportunities at goal. As we contained the Baldwin Wallace's attack and attempted at our own, the time dwindled down. At the 81st minute we had a corner and everyone knew that they had to make it count. Shelby Johnson played the ball in to the box and each team scrambled to gain possession. The ball was knocked out but met by Becca Cartmill who reserved it into the box. Morgan Austin made contact and the ball ended up in the vicinity of  Mary Bushee who got a head on it and placed it side netting! With the game tied 1-1 the Crusaders took the momentum of the goal and attacked the BW defense. Although tremendous effort was made to go forward we were unable to score ending regular time in a tie.

Our team knew the reality of overtime in the fact that they could end it as quickly as they wanted. They had momentum and a great desire to win the game which translated onto the field. In the first 6 minutes we accumulated 3 corner kicks and 5 shots on goal. In the 7th minute we were fouled around the 25 yard mark. Claire Quinn saw an opportunity far post and put the ball exactly there. Waiting was Mariah Richards who gained an advantage over a defender, put her head on the ball and knocked it far post into the goal! We had won the game and the team was overjoyed as they bombarded the field!

We ended regular play third in the conference. Our first tournament game is tomorrow November 4th at home against John Carroll University. We kick off at 2pm! See you there!