The Concord University women’s soccer team had been there before, but wasn’t satisfied with the decision.
Thursday night at Paul Cline Stadium, the Mountain Lions exited the pitch in much better spirits.
Behind two second-half goals, No. 2 seed Concord defeated No. 7 seed Mercyhurst, 3-1 in the opening round match of the NCAA Div. II Women’s Atlantic Regional Soccer Tournament.
It was the first regional win in program history and moves the Mountain Lions into the round of 32 where they’ll play Bloomsburg University Saturday, back at Paul Cline Stadium.
“I think it not only means a lot to the program, but to the school as well,” head coach Luke Duffy said. “The girls have worked hard all year to put themselves in this situation. To get over the finish line with a win in the first round is a milestone, but we don’t want to stand still now. We want to move on from this victory and go again on Saturday”
Thursday’s opening round match was a battle between Concord’s high octane strikers and the stingy defense of the Lakers.
Mercyhurst had yielded just 14 goals throughout the season which led them to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division title.
Defense came at a price Thursday night however as Concord dominated the possessions early.
Mountain East Offensive Player of the Year, Jasmine Mosby gave the Mountain Lions the early advantage scoring her 22nd goal of the season in the 21st minute of the match, coming on a cross from Michelle Brogden.
The momentum gained came to a screeching halt when a bad giveaway in the back gave the ball to Emily Mijares who cashed in for the Lakers.
Adding to its first half frustration was Concord’s inability to cash in on 10 corner kicks.
“I don’t think we panicked because we have experience on the team. Unfortunately we conceded one the way we did, but I think the level heads and the experience just kind of recouped the team,” Duffy said. “We knew we could score goals.”
After being slowed somewhat by a halftime change by Mercyhurst, which moved five players into the midfield to help limit Concord’s possession advantage, Brogden put the Mountain Lions ahead for good in the 62nd minute off a cross from Leah Foster.
A cross from Morgan Carmichael in the 76th minute gave Concord some breathing room when Zoe Belding surprised the keeper by kicking the ball back overhead for the final score.
“Concord is a really good side and I wish them the best. They are organized and we knew coming here was going to be a challenge,” Mercyhurst head coach Jon Arlet said. “Our goalkeeper was phenomenal tonight and we managed the corners very well. I thought we put forth a great effort tonight.”
The Mountain Lions now face Bloomsburg who defeated Gannon University 2-1. Abby Groff scored the Golden Goal for the Huskies in the 97th minute off an assist from Paige Harris.
The match Saturday is set for 3 p.m.
