Senior MeghanMarie Fowler-Finn scored in the 104th minute to lead the No. 7 Washington University women’s soccer team to a 1-0 double overtime victory over New York University on Sunday afternoon at Francis Field.
With the win, Washington U. clinched its fourth University Athletic Association (UAA) title in school history and the automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The Bears also notched its 13th-consecutive victory, breaking the school record of 12 set in 1998 and 2000.
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Fowler-Finn corralled a pass in the midfield, made a few moves and beat an NYU defender, and then drilled a shot from 30 yards out to the far left corner for her team-leading 10th goal of the season. The game-winning goal was the fourth of the season for Fowler-Finn and 12th of her career.
“This is the most unbelievable feeling,” Fowler-Finn said. “I will remember that goal for the rest of my life. It’s just one of those plays that sticks with you.”
New York (6-9-1, 0-6 UAA) took the Bears out of their offensive scheme in the first half playing a more physical game than Washington U. The Violets had a 9-3 advantage in fouls in the first half, and had one yellow card. WU outshot New York 7-3 in the first half, and managed just one corner kick.
NYU had the best scoring opportunity in the first half at the 21:31 mark when Lola Coke’s shot from 30 yards out deflected off the cross bar and back into the play. NYU goalkeeper Rebekah Kramer, who made her first collegiate start, made two saves in the first half.
Washington U.’s had a good scoring opportunity early in the second half after Fowler-Finn was left wide open in the box, but she could not finish the play. Fowler-Finn had another golden opportunity to give the Bears the lead in the 78th minute, but Kramer deflected the shot over the crossbar.
Junior Carrie Sear picked up her 15th win in goal making one save. Sear also notched the Bears 10th shutout of the season, and dropped her UAA leading goals against average to 0.27.
“We started slow today, and were not finishing,” said fifth-year head Wendy Dillinger. “Last year was very disappointing, but it was great for our team this year to take control of the UAA. MeghanMarie had a lot of goods look today and was a little apprehensive on pulling the trigger. She spun the defender and just drilled it to the far corner.”
Washington University (15-2, 6-0 UAA) returns to action at home on Sat. Nov. 4 against the University of Chicago. Game time is set for Noon at Francis Field.