NEW YORK, N.Y. – Two goals by sophomore forward Shannon Munoz led Columbia University (10-8-0) to a 3-0 win over the Niagara University women’s soccer team (9-8-1) in the semifinals of the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Division I Women’s Soccer Tournament Friday at the Columbia Soccer Stadium.
In a torrential downpour, creating tough playing conditions on both teams, Columbia freshman goalkeeper Allison Vespa contained Niagara’s second half attack, preserving the victory for the Lions. Following halftime, the Purple Eagles outshot Columbia, 14-7, however Vespa stopped all seven second half shots on goal by Niagara, excelling in the poor field conditions.
"We had lots of opportunities to score," Niagara head coach Peter Veltri said. "But their keeper kept them in the game, making some incredible saves. Overall, it was a great experience for us as a team as we build towards next season."
The Lions took the lead midway into the opening half when sophomore forward Aubrey Medal finished a low cross by Munoz, beating Niagara goalkeeper Katy Owings (Annapolis, Md.) in the 27th minute.
Munoz then scored her ninth goal of the season seven minutes later, giving Columbia a two-goal lead. In the 34th minute, Munoz’s shot beat Owings to the left corner of the goal, assisted by fellow-sophomore Emma Judkins.
Munoz, a 2004 All-Ivy League selection, later added her 10th goal of the season in the 66th minute, extending the Lions lead to three goals.
Niagara was led offensively by freshman Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.) and sophomore Emily Montgomery (Oshawa, Ont.), both 2004 All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selections. Bisnott, MAAC Rookie of the Year, led the Purple Eagles with five shots in the loss, with Montgomery taking four shots.
As a team, Niagara outshot Columbia, 17-16.
Starting in her 16th game of the season, Owings made four saves for the Purple Eagles in the loss. Lions senior goalkeeper Erissa Aronson, although not registering a save, picked up the win for Columbia, not allowing a goal in the opening half of play.
Niagara finished the season with a 9-8-1 record, the third consecutive winning season for Veltri.
