UTICA, NY – The Alfred University women's soccer advanced to the Empire 8 Semifinals following a 3-2 penalty kick shootout win over Utica University on Saturday from Cadamento Field.
The Saxons (4-5-7, 2-1-5 Empire 8) successfully defended 18 shots from the Pioneers (7-6-4, 2-3-4 Empire 8), 13 of which were on goal.
Kiani Barnard-Pratt (Westford, MA/Westford Academy) had a stellar performance in goal for Alfred University, recording 13 saves as part of a shutout performance.
Olivia Gilbert (Ontario, NY/Wayne Central) finished the game with a team-high 2 shots on goal. A total of 7 different Saxons logged a full 110 minutes played as part of the win.
"I'm really proud of our efforts as part of this team win," Head Coach
Craig Yanni said. "We're looking forward to getting healthy and competing against a talented Fisher team in the next round of the Empire 8 Tournament."
The Saxons was aggressive to open the first half, as
Kayla Silverstein (North Chili, NY/Churchville-Chili) was the first Saxon to record a shot on goal during the 2nd minute of action. The defense played well to begin the game, holding the Pioneers without a shot on goal until the 18th minute of play. Alfred University held Utica without an additional shot on goal for the remainder of the first half before going into halftime with a scoreless draw.
The best scoring opportunity for the Saxons in the second half came during the 75th minute, as
Evony Diaz (Santa Barbara, CA/San Marcos) took a shot that reflected off the crossbar. The defense remained strong in the closing half of regulation, defending 6 shots across the final 10 minutes before forcing the game into overtime.
Barnard-Pratt recorded 3 saves in the first portion of extra time before the defense didn't allow Utica to force a shot attempt in the second portion of overtime, sending both sides into a penalty shootout.
After both goalkeepers picked up saves in the first round of the shootout,
Alyssa Smith (Pearl River, NY/Pearl River) found the back of the net to give AU the advantage. In the third round,
Nyah Solly (Colden, NY/Springville-Griffith Institute) scored for the Saxons. With the opportunity to clinch the victory,
Lina Young (North Collins, NY/North Collins) came through for Alfred University and secured the win.
Alfred University will next travel to face #2 St. John Fisher University on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
