SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The second-seeded Bryant University women's soccer team punched its ticket to the America East Championship final after defeating third-seeded and three-time defending champion Maine 2-0.
Senior
Samantha Zaslaw broke the 0-0 tie in the 55th minute before
Grayson Edwards doubled the Bulldogs' advantage in the 81st.
Bryant will face top-seeded Binghamton for the America East title and the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, November 14 in Vestal, N.Y.
Final Score: Bryant 2, Maine 0
Records: Bryant (7-6-4), Maine (8-7-4)
Location: Beirne Stadium | Smithfield, R.I.
Coach Biggs' Comments:
"We played a very, very complete game today — even managing to improve on our performance from last Sunday. Our attack was varied, we scored two great goals and defended very well in both their half and ours."
Key Moments:
- Mejia made her first save of the afternoon in the 27th minute, denying Hilary Washington's attempt, and keeping the game scoreless.
- Zaslaw broke through for the Bulldogs in the 55th minute, finding the back of the net to give Bryant a 1-0 advantage.
- Maine increased its offensive pressure in the second half and even more so following the opening goal, but Mejia turned away attempts from Emma Nicholson and Denny to maintain Bryant's lead.
- Edwards extended the Bulldogs' advantage in the 81st minute, converting an opportunity assisted by Caitlin Forshay to give Bryant a two-goal cushion with less than 10 minutes remaining.
Scoring Summary:
- 55th minute: Samantha Zaslaw broke the tie after capitalizing on a Maine turnover. Zaslaw carried the ball in and aimed a shot to the lower right side of the net to put the Bulldogs up 1-0.
- 81st minute: Caitlin Forshay sent a ball, finding Grayson Edwards making a run behind Maine's defense. Edwards netted the ball doubling the Bulldogs lead.
Game Notes:
- Bryant advances to the America East Championship final for the first time since joining the conference in 2022.
- This will be the Bulldogs first conference championship appearance in D1 program history.
- The Bulldogs recorded their 10th team shutout of the season, first in D1 program history and second all-time.
- Mejia earned her ninth individual shutout of the season which puts her in first for D1 program history and second all-time.
- Zaslaw netted her eighth goal of the season, bringing her season total to 18 points and puts her tied for first in D1 program history for goals and second for points.
- Edwards goal is her second of the season, giving her five points total.
- The Bulldogs shut out Maine for the second time this season after earning a 1-0 victory over the Black Bears on October 22.
Up Next:
The Bulldogs will travel to Vestal, N.Y., to face top-seeded Binghamton in the America East Championship final. The championship will take place November 14 with a 1PM kickoff.
