Championship preview
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As regular season competition closes, a hope of postseason success arises for the top four East Coast Conference women’s soccer teams. After a grueling and competitive 2013 regular season, Bridgeport, LIU Post, Queens College and Mercy College will battle for the conference championship title and a berth in the NCAA Division II women’s soccer Championship Tournament.
LIU Post at Bridgeport
Both the LIU Post Pioneers and Bridgeport Purple Knights have had a quality 2013. The squads, who combined, have nearly thirty victories, met early in October where the Purple Knights outplayed the Pioneers by just one tally.
Bridgeport’s season has been first-rate. Ranked in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25 Poll since September 24th, the Purple Knights won fifteen consecutive marks to win the ECC Regular Season Championship before falling to Queens in their regular-season finale.
The Purple Knights’ offense has combined 37 total goals, with 12 of them off the foot of Danielle Puddefoot (Slough, England). The junior complied 28 points for the squad, adding four assists to her nationally ranked total goal performance. Flo Gamby (Goffs Oak, England) has also been a top competitor for Bridgeport’s attack. Tallying 18 points with eight goals and two assists, Gamby’s regular season mark has contributed greatly to her team’s success.
Leading a defense that has only allowed 11 goals is goalkeeper Julia Hansson (Tockfors, Sweden). With a nationally ranked goals-against average (0.61), Hansson has proven to be extremely effective between the pipes. The school record holder for career shutouts (33), Hansson has posted eight clean sheets in 2013.
The Bridgeport Purple Knights look to claim their second women’s soccer ECC Championship in school history, as they won their first conference title in 2009. Also, the Purple Knights seek their sixth Division II Championship appearance in seven years.
The LIU Post Pioneers have posted an impressive 13-4-0 2013 campaign. With 46 total goals and 32 assists, offense has been a key factor in the Pioneers’ decisions.
Leading the Pioneers offensive drive is Susanne Vistnes (Randaberg, Norway). The sophomore forward has complied 14 goals with six assists for 34 points. Vistnes is nationally ranked for her total goals, total points, points per game and goals per game performances throughout this season. Five goals short of Vistnes, Hanna Westerling (Alvadalen, Sweden) has been an offensive staple for the Pioneers. Tallying nine goals, four assists and 22 points, the sophomore is also nationally ranked for total goals. Alexa Niciforo (East Islip, N.Y.) has been extremely effective in the forward position. Compiling eight goals and three assists for 19 points, Niciforo has added strength to an already solid attack.
Defensively, goalkeeper Katelyn Phillips (Littleton, Colo.) has posted five shutouts. With a goals against average of 0.77 and a save percentage of .836, Phillips has racked up 46 saves for the Pioneers.
The Pioneers and Purple Knights are sure to have an enticing competition on the pitch. Strong attack lines on both sides ensure an offensive battle on Thursday.
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