Box Score LAKEWOOD, N.J. – Top-seeded Georgian Court University scored twice in a 35-second span of the second half and went on to a 3-0 victory over visiting and No. 8 seed Felician University in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Women's Soccer Championship tournament on Monday afternoon at Investors Savings Bank Field.
Felician saw its season come to an end with an overall won-lost-tied record of 7-8-1. The Golden Falcons had a winning streak of three games and a five-match unbeaten stretch snapped, while losing for just the second time in nine October starts.
"Today was a tough loss, especially after playing such a strong first half," said ninth-year Felician head coach Thomas Notte. "Our players played as hard as they could. They should keep their heads held high for how well they performed this year."
Felician senior goalkeeper Bjonda Ademi (Wayne, N.J.) made five first-half saves to help mitigate an 11-2 shot advantage for the Lions and keep the match scoreless at intermission. The Golden Falcons also successfully defended six GCU corner kicks. Georgian Court had an apparent goal called back by a foul in the 27th minute. Shortly thereafter, GCU freshman keeper Natalie Axelsson (Galloway, N.J.) foiled Felician's best chance to score when she stumbled coming off her line, recovered, and intercepted a Golden Falcon pass across the 18-yard box.
The Lions broke through in the 58th minute when senior Morgan Peacock (Edison, N.J.) settled a cross from teammate Tayler Bramley (Sparta, N.J.), shielded her defender, and finished from about 12 yards away in the middle of the box. Shortly after kickoff, GCU regained possession and Kaitlin Lister (Toms River, N.J.) found teammate Michaella Paradiso (Blackwood, N.J.) making a run down the left flank. Paradiso pushed the ball over Ademi and under the crossbar for a 2-0 Lion edge with 31:39 left to play.
The Golden Falcons were unable to further test Axelsson, having two second-half shots blocked by the Lion defense and three more off frame. The hosts secured the victory on a header by Anissia Fucci (Manchester, N.J.) with 5:04 remaining.
Georgian Court held a 22-7 shot advantage for the day. Amanda Nowak (Lyndhurst, N.J.) led Felician with three shots, while Bramley and Lizzy Kroon (Bayville, N.J.) had five each for the hosts. Ademi finished with seven saves.
Felician was making its eighth CACC playoff appearance in Notte's nine-year tenure.
"I'm extremely proud of our team and the character and strength we showed fighting back from a rough first half of the season," Notte said. "We proved that we were a competitive team and deserved to be in the playoffs."
