UB women’s soccer team (9-7-3) advanced to the Mid-American Conference semifinals for the first time since 2015 with a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Akron (8-10-2) Sunday.
Sunday’s frigid temperatures didn’t halt the Bulls’ momentum and sophomore forward Taylor Caridi’s goal 109th minute made all the difference for the Bulls, who travel to Bowling Green Friday.
During the first half, the Bulls held the Zips to one shot and attempted nine shots in the first period, with none finding the back of the net. In the second half, junior midfielder Kaitlyn Walsh gave Buffalo the lead with a goal in the 83rd minute.
Less than a minute later, Zips defender Abigail Brown scored to tie the game.
The game went into overtime but neither side conceded a goal, despite Buffalo’s two attempts. In the 108th minute, and second overtime, sophomore forward Caridi scored, ending the game.
“It was a microcosm of our season with all the ups and downs,” Coach Shawn Burke said. “[I give] a ton of credit to our players for applying pressure and getting the goal late to avoid penalty kicks.”
The Bulls will play No. 1 seed Bowling Green on Friday. The Bulls lost 2-1 in their last match against the Falcons, with their only goal coming from junior forward Gianna Yurchak.
Burke led UB to its first MAC Conference title in 2014 and looks to add another, as Buffalo enters the MAC Tournament as the No. 4 seed. Burke has high hopes for the team’s upcoming match, where the Bulls will look to avenge their early season defeat.
“Our team isn’t intimidated by anybody and hopefully we gain momentum from this win,” Burke said.
The winner of Friday’s game will face the winner of Friday’s Eastern Michigan (7-11-2) and Ohio (11-8-1) match.
Sports desk can be reached at sports@ubspectrum.com.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
