Misericordia University’s Women’s soccer team took home their third straight MAC Freedom Conference title this past Saturday while the Men’s team fell to Stevens in the Semifinals. This is everything you need to know about the matchups.
Women’s soccer headed into the MAC Freedom Conference tournament as the 1 seed, remaining undefeated by any team in the MAC Freedom during the regular season. Being the 1 seed and hosting the tournament is not something our Cougars are unfamiliar with. After winning the tournament the previous two years, the ladies were able to execute again and take home the trophy.
On Tuesday, October 31, the girls hosted the 4 seed, DeSales University. The game was nerve-wracking and had fans doubtful at points, but of course, the Cougars pulled through.
The first goal came from Meagan Allspach at 1:49, creating positive momentum at the start of the game. However, the momentum was halted when DeSales answered back with a goal of their own, tying the game 1-1. The score remained tied until Julia Beck found the net in the second half, giving the Cougars a 2-1 lead.
After another goal by DeSales, the game headed into overtime (OT). Colleen Kinsella scored the game-winning goal in the first OT and then assisted Emma Sweitzer to cushion the lead in the second OT. The final score of the game was 4-2.
On November 4, the Cougars hosted conference rivals, the Stevens Ducks for the championship game. Emma Sweitzer put the girls ahead early, scoring a goal at 2:09. The 1-0 lead was held until 54:19 when the Ducks got one past Lauren Mondor, who had 5 saves in the game.
The game remained tied until the second OT when Brenna Field connected with Colleen Kinsella, giving the Cougars a 2-1 lead, eventually securing the Cougars third straight conference title. Caitlin Somerville was named MAC Freedom Championship Most Valuable Player. Julia Beck was awarded the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Coach Mark Stauffer was named MAC coach of the year.
The Cougars are headed into the NCAA Tournament as the 24 seed and will face off against Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York on Saturday, November 11.
The men’s soccer team did not see much success in their pursuit of a championship. As the 3 seed, the boys traveled out to Hoboken, New Jersey to face the Stevens Ducks, the 2 seed. The only player to find the net for the Cougars was Logan Moore, scoring off a penalty kick. The final score was 4-1.
The men’s team will be recharging and prepping for the 2024 season while the women’s team looks for continued success in the NCAA Tournament.