NSCAA National Rankings KUTZTOWN, Pa. – Edinboro University scored two goals in the final 12 minutes to clinch a spot in the playoffs and down the nationally-ranked Kutztown University women's soccer team 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon at Keystone Field.
Prior to the game, Kutztown learned that it moved up five places in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) / Continental Tire National Poll. KU is ranked 18th in Division II and entered the game riding a program-record nine-game winning streak.
Tuesday's game held a playoff-like atmosphere with both teams applying great pressure throughout. Both teams had terrific shots bounce off the crossbar and had point-blank opportunities not go. Midway through the first half, Kutztown's
Diana Malanga (Lavallette, N.J./St. Rose) had a rebound off the crossbar go right to her in front of the net, but the ensuing shot went directly to the Edinboro keeper.
Coming out of a scoreless first half, Kutztown capitalized on a hand ball in the penalty box.
Megan Frailer (Bel Air, Md./C. Milton Wright) knocked home the strike for Kutztown in the 49th minute and a 1-0 lead.
Edinboro had two rebound shots at goal in the 64th minute and beat the KU keeper, but KU defenders on the back line made back-to-back saves to keep the Fighting Scots off the scoreboard. Edinboro continued to move well in transition and pressure Kutztown's center backs, and took advantage of an out-of-position KU defense late in the game. Reilee DuPratt scored off a very high cross from the left side, and was left wide open at the far post to tie the game in the 79th minute. Three minute later, an initial Edinboro shot went off the crossbar and landed on the foot of Alex Brown, who hammered it home for the game-winner.
Edinboro's (9-6-2, 9-5-2 PSAC) win clinched it a spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) playoffs in its final conference game of the year. The Golden Bears (12-4, 11-4), who already clinched a spot in the conference tournament, suffered their first loss in over a month (Sept. 24), and will have to win on Saturday to assure itself a home playoff game on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Kutztown goalkeeper
Deanna Messner (Willow Grove, Pa./Archbishop Wood) made eight saves in the effort, as Edinboro keeper Meghan Kelly finished with four. As a team, Edinboro out-shot Kutztown 17-12, including 12-5 in the second half.
KU closes out its regular season on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Mansfield University for a 1:30 p.m. start. KU took down the Mountaineers (3-12-1, 2-12-1) 1-0 on the road last season.
