AU Women's Soccer Captures Niagara Fall Classic Crown with 3-0 Win over Buffalo
Sept. 9, 2007
WASHINGTON - American University women's soccer extended its 2007 win streak to four after defeating Buffalo, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon at Niagara University. After beating Niagara, 2-1, on Friday and with the win today, the Eagles captured the Niagara Fall Classic title.
American University netted all three goals in the first half, with each shot coming in off the woodwork. In the 13th minute, senior Siobhan Gillan (San Diego, Calif./La Costa Canyon) played a ball to Krystn Hodge (Rye, N.Y./Mamaroneck) at the top of the box. After shielding the ball and turning her defender, Hodge had a clear look at goal, scoring her fourth goal of the season and giving AU a 1-0 advantage.
Playing off the momentum, junior Jess Cole (Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge) won a hard fought tackle in the middle and after a few touches, ripped a shot from thirty yards out. Cole beat Buffalo keeper Amy Coron high, with the shot hitting the bottom of the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
Kelsey Brasher tallied the Eagles final goal of the afternoon 22:16 into the first half. After her first shot was blocked, Brasher collected the rebound and tallied her second goal of the tournament. Brasher leads the Eagles in points with 11, coming off five goals and one assist.
"I am really proud and pleased for the team, after performing in torrential downpours and winds, we still finished with the win," said Head Coach Michael Brady. "Our hard work, perseverance and quality of play are what won the tournament."
In her premier as an Eagle, freshman defender Friederike Engel (Hamburg, Germany/Freie Und Hansestadt Hamberg) was named the Niagara Fall Classic tournament MVP. Joining her on the All-Tournament team are freshman goalkeeper Hannah Radley (Greenbrae, Calif./San Domenico), defenders Annette Scott (Gresham, Ore./Centennial) and Olivia Heditsian (St. Louis, Mo./Parkway Central High School), and forward Hodge.
American University is now 4-0 on the season and is the only patriot league to sport a perfect record. The undefeated Eagles return to action on Wednesday at 3 p.m. when they face regional rival Georgetown on the home field of the Hoyas.
