Kelly Finn

Finn leads Nazareth to ECAC final

BOXSCORE l CUMULATIVE STATS
BROCKPORT, N.Y. -- Junior Kelly Finn scored the Golden Flyers' lone goal early in the first overtime Saturday to lead Nazareth to a 1-0 victory over Fredonia in its ECAC Upstate semifinal game for women's soccer.

The Golden Flyers improved to 13-6-2 and will face host Brockport (17-3-1) Sunday at noon in the ECAC final. The Golden Eagles defeated Vassar 2-1 in its semifinal to advance.

The Golden Flyers controlled much of the play in regulation, and had several opportunities to score before overtime.  With 36 minutes left in the second half, junior Ashley Clinton intercepted a clearing attempt from 35 yards out. She dribbled to the top of the box and sent a hard shot toward the upper corner of the net. Fredonia goalie Becky Scroger made a diving save to tip the ball wide of the net.
 
A minute later, Nazareth was awarded a direct kick from just outside the 18-yard box and the ball was lofted toward the goal. Freshman Erica Conte was able to head the ball toward the goal, but  it was punched over the crossbar by Scroger. On the ensuing corner kick, Conte got her head on the ball again but the ball slipped just wide of the post.

The Golden Flyers were finally able to break the scoreless tie when Finn scored off a rebound less than two minutes into the overtime session. Scroger had recorded 12 saves to keep Nazareth off the board until the 92nd minute.

Freshman Hillary Simon made four saves to record her seventh shutout of the season for Nazareth. The Golden Flyers' defense continued to frustrate their opponents. The Golden Flyers have not allowed a goal in either of its ECAC games, and has only allowed five goals in its last 10 games.

Nazareth held a 19-7 advantage in shots, including an 11-2 advantage in the first half. The Golden Flyers also had a 6-4 edge in corner kicks.

In Sunday's ECAC final, Nazareth will be looking to avenge a 1-0 loss against Brockport earlier this season.
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