Marywood Downs Immaculata, Can Claim Top Seed Thursday
Olivia Habicht scores lone goal, Coyle posts fourth shutout
Meghan Coyle made a big second half save to preserve her fourth, and Marywood's fifth, shutout of the seaosn Saturday
Box Score
Immaculata, PA - Olivia Habicht scored unassisted in the 71st minute and Meghan Coyle made two saves as Marywood University blanked host Immaculata University 1-0 in CSAC Women's Soccer action Saturday afternoon. The Pacers, who stand in sole possession of first place with a 8-0-1 CSAC record, can wrap up the top seed for post season play with a win over Keystone College this Thursday. Marywood, who is 12-2-1 and on a 13-game unbeaten streak, can do no worse than second place and have assured themselves of a first-round bye. Immaculata fell to 8-6-3 (5-3-1 CSAC) with the loss.
With several players either missing the game or playing a limited role due to flu-like symptoms, Marywood also had to battle against Mother Nature Saturday with a steady rain and gusty winds in their face for the first 45 minutes of play. True to the test, the Marywood defense held their ground and allowed just three shots in the opening half, only one of which Coyle (Endicott, NY) was forced to make a save on.
With a lighter wind at their back in the second half, Marywood pressed for the game's first goal but Mighty Mac goalkeeper Jessica Gaburo was up to the challenge several times. Erica Mechalke (Elmira, NY) appeared to beat Gaburo with a nice chip shot from the left corner of the 18 but her effort bounced off the crossbar and out of danger.
The Pacers eventually got on the board at 70:46 when Habicht (Woodcliff Lake, NJ) dribbled in from the right flank and fired a shot over the head of Gaburo from 25-yards out. Gaburo made a brilliant diving effort at Habicht's shot but could not get a touch on it as Marywood took the lead. From there, Coyle was forced to make one nice save to preserve her fourth, and team's fifth, shutout of the year.
Marywood hosts Keystone College this Thursday at 7:00 pm as part of senior day. The Pacers will honor Lisa Gavin, Lisa Hanselman and Erica Mechalke at halftime.