DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - It took almost three hours in chilly conditions, but the NAIA No. 18 Embry-Riddle women's soccer advanced through to The Sun Conference tournament finals with a penalty kick shootout victory over SCAD Savannah on Saturday night at the Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium. The Eagles and Bees battled to a 0-0 draw after 110 minutes of play, but it was ERAU who capitalized on their penalty kicks to move on 3-1. The Blue and Gold (13-2-3) will take on the Northwood Seahawks in the finals of the conference tournament next Friday, November 12. SCAD ends their 2010 season with an 11-4-4 overall record.
The first half of action featured 18 shots between the two squads (11-7 in favor of the Eagles), but neither team could find the back of the net. The Bees held the advantage in shots on goal, 4-1 as freshman goalkeeper Jennifer Grimes recorded three saves and defender Brianna Zangara recorded a team save in the first 45 minutes.
ERAU turned the tables in the second period, outshooting SCAD 12-3, including a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal. The Eagles had six corner kicks in the second half, but were unable to execute as regulation ended 0-0.
Only six shots were attempted in the two overtime periods, with just one on frame and both teams seemed content to move to the penalty kicks at the end of 110 minutes of play.
The Eagles were first to attempt a PK and freshman Martine Olsen converted to give ERAU a 1-0 lead. Junior Dina Roper, who replaced Grimes as keeper for the shootout did an outstanding job against SCAD's first shooter, diving to her left and saving the shot before it crossed the line, preserving the 1-0 advantage for ERAU.
Next up for the Eagles was freshman Valerie Obita, fresh off being named as The Sun Conference's Newcomer of the Year. Obita easily put her shot past SCAD keeper Sara Collins as the Blue and Gold jumped out to a 2-0 advantage.
Roper worked her magic again on the second SCAD penalty kick, staying her ground and blocking the Bees' shot. After ERAU's next attempt was saved by Collins, Roper was finally beat on SCAD's third PK as the Bees cut the total to 2-1.
Cecilie Henriksen, the 2010 Sun Conference Champion of Character, blasted her shot into the goal for ERAU for a 3-1 lead, and Roper once again saved a shot, this time to her right and the Eagles advanced 3-1.
The semifinal was the first time that ERAU was able to best the Bees in postseason play, as SCAD had held a 4-0 advantage all-time in the playoffs.
ERAU and Northwood will meet on Friday, November 12 in West Palm Beach, Fla.; the Eagles fell 6-3 earlier in the season, and will look to avenge their regular season loss.
The Eagles were able to cap off a jammed pack day of Embry-Riddle athletics, following up wins by ERAU's volleyball, basketball and men's soccer teams, as well as both cross country teams capturing The Sun Conference championships.
