Women's Soccer Advances To NEC Championship Game With 1-0 Win Over FDU
Ward scores GWG and Ford notches 10 saves
The Central Connecticut State women's soccer team upset top-seeded FDU in the NEC Tournament Semifinal Thursday evening in Teaneck, NJ. The Blue Devils return to the NEC Championship game for the first time since winning the crown in 2023.
Kiley Yepes fed a long pass to Kayla Ward on the left side of the field and Ward chipped it over the head of FDU's goalkeeper for the game's lone tally.
Melina Ford was strong in net for the Blue Devils, turning away all 10 shots on frame by the Knights in the game.
CCSU will face the winner of #2 Wagner vs #3 Howard semifinal that kicks off at 7:00 pm Thursday night.
GAME INFORMATION | BOX SCORE
Score: CCSU 1, FDU 0
Records: #4 CCSU (7-5-5, 6-1-4 NEC), #1 FDU (9-6-5, 9-0-2 NEC)
Location: University Stadium | Teaneck, NJ
KEY MOMENTS
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The Knights had a chance in the 26th minute, earning a corner kick. Maria Barrero attempted a kick in traffic in front of goal but had her shot sail wide.
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The Blue Devils broke the deadlock with 39 minutes to play when Kiley Yepes got the ball near midfield and fed Kayla Ward down the left wing. Ward lofted a shot from nearly 30 yards out over the goalkeeper and into the net.
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FDU nearly tied with 25 minutes to play when Marina Burzaco was able to collect the ball in traffic in front of goal. She spun to get free and sent her shot just wide to the left.
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With just under nine minutes to play, the Knights' Ana Salas had a shot from close range, but Ford came out for CCSU to make the save.
NUMBER TO KNOW
16 – The Blue Devils will play in their 16thNEC Championship Game all-time, where they have a 13-2 record
NOTES
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CCSU is 5-1 all-time against FDU in the NEC Tournament.
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FDU outshot CCSU 22-3, with a 10-2 edge in shots on goal, and also had an 8-0 edge in corner kicks
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CCSU was whistled offsides on three occasions to the Knights one
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The Blue Devils avenge a 2022 semifinal loss when they were the top-seed to FDU, who was the fourth-seed
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The Blue Devils are 28-9 all-time in NEC Tournament play.
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CCSU has won NEC crown the last five times they have played in the championship game
