BURLINGTON, VT – In a heart-stopping thriller, the #5 UMBC women's soccer team punched their ticket to the semifinals of the America East Conference Championships with a dramatic 1-0 overtime triumph against the #4 Vermont Catamounts Thursday afternoon at Virtue Field.
"I couldn't be more proud of the resilience and grit this group showed today, head coach
Rick Stainton said. "Vermont is a very good technical team, and we had to weather some difficult moments, especially against the wind. I thought we defended with tremendous determination and found our footing as the game progressed. In overtime, Brooke showed some individual brilliance to create a fantastic opportunity, and we capitalized. I'm incredibly happy for our players, staff, and everyone who has contributed to this program's growth. We're excited to keep moving forward!"
The Retrievers will travel to top-seeded Binghamton on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.
UMBC (10-5-4) broke the deadlock in dramatic fashion just 2:41 into the first overtime period, clinching their first semifinal berth since 2014. Freshman All-Rookie Team pick
Brooke Clagett outmaneuvered her defender near the right endline and whipped a dangerous cross into the heart of the box. A Vermont defender then accidentally volleyed the ball into her own net, sparking a wild UMBC celebration.
Junior goalkeeper
Amara Codd came up clutch, making a pair of spectacular diving saves to keep the Retrievers' hopes alive and the Catamounts at bay.
UMBC sophomore defender
Olivia Nardone delivered a game-saving moment in the opening half, heroically clearing a sure goal off the line.
Vermont also hit the right post in the first half.
