Oct. 29, 2010
Box Score
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - With their backs against the wall and their MAAC Championship aspirations hanging in the balance, the Siena women's soccer team once again found a way to persevere. Ashleigh Barone's goal with 8:37 remaining tied the game and Tabitha Tice's golden goal with just over two minutes remaining in double overtime led the Saints to a crucial 2-1 victory over Fairfield Friday. With their 14th victory, the Saints set a new program record for wins.
On a very cold and blustery afternoon in which wind gusts surpassed 35 miles per hour, both teams struggled to generate much offense in the first half. But on one of the few attempts, Fairfield (8-8-2, 4-3-1) broke through first in the 20th minute.
Deep in her own zone Jackie Taylor sent in a high arcing ball down the field that got carried by the wind and found the streaking Shannon Fey who finished for her fourth goal of the season. It would be about all the offense either team could muster in a first half that featured just four combined shots.
Despite the conditions and after only attempting one shot in the opening stanza, Siena's (14-3, 5-3) offense came to life in the second half. Siena out-shot Fairfield 16-2 in the frame and garnered several good scoring chances before Barone came up with yet another major late-game goal.
With the Saints pressuring in the Stags box, the first two shot attempts were blocked in traffic but the third rebound found the foot of Barone who finished for her ninth goal of the season which ultimately sent the game to overtime.
After a rather uneventful first extra session, the Saints pushed the tempo in the waning minutes of the second overtime. With 2:08 remaining and off a cross into the box, Lindsay Tegas headed the ball which clanged off the top of the crossbar and rebounded straight back to Tice who put it home in thrilling fashion.
The win was much needed for the Saints which had dropped their previous three conference contests. It also improved the squad to 3-1 in overtime matches this season. Additionally, the 14th victory set a new program record, breaking the two-year-old record of 13 wins set during the 2008 season.
Siena out-shot Fairfield 22-6 and took seven corners to the Stags three.
The Saints likely will control their own destiny heading into Sunday's season finale against Iona. At the time of release, Siena is tied for third in the conference standings in a log jammed top half of the MAAC. The top-four teams at season's end will qualify for the MAAC Tournament.
Prior to kickoff at Siena field at 1 p.m. Sunday, the Saints will honor their eight graduating seniors in a special ceremony set to begin at 12:40 p.m.
