Maggie Brinkman

Women's Soccer Dan Teliski, Director of Athletics Media Relations

No. 8 Gannon Women's Soccer Team Falls to East Stroudsburg on Penalty Kicks in PSAC Quarterfinals (Photo Gallery)

Senior Maggie Brinkman's fifth shutout of the season wasn't enough during the PSAC Quarterfinals as the Knights were eliminated via penalty kicks.
ERIE, Pa. – East Stroudsburg out-scored Gannon 5-4 in penalty kicks following a scoreless Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) quarterfinal match Thursday afternoon at Gannon University Field and eliminated the third-seeded Lady Knights, advancing to the PSAC Women's Soccer Final Four hosted by California (Pa.) this weekend.

Gannon controlled the majority of the match according to the shots chart. The Lady Knights held a 6-2 edge during the first half, a 16-5 advantage during the second half and took all five shots during the two overtime sessions. The final total was 27-7 in favor of the Lady Knights.

However, Gannon managed to get only 10 of those 27 shots on goal. East Stroudsburg goalkeeper Brittain Wagner turned away all 10 of those shots.

Gannon best's scoring chance arguably came during the 19th minute when the Lady Knights were able to create a one-on-one with Wagner, but the shot rung off the right post.

Head coach Colin Petersen's club had two solid chances during the waning minutes of regulation. Maddi Buckham (Copley, Ohio/Copley) ripped a quality shot that appeared to be heading top shelf in the 83rd minute, but Wagner barely tipped the ball over the bar. Moments later in the 86th minute, Gannon controlled a loose ball that Wagner was unable to pull in. But with Wagner out of the goal and only an East Stroudsburg defender left in front of the net, the ensuing shot sailed wide.

Statistically, the match ended in a tie following two more scoreless periods in overtime. The deadlock forced a penalty kick shoot-out to determine which team would advance to the conference final four.

East Stroudsburg earned the honor after converting all five of its penalty kicks. Mani Brueckner (Valencia, Pa./Mars Area), Justine Rodrigues (Georgetown, Ontario/Georgetown District), Kaitlyn Kissell (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) and Sidney Morgan (Middleburg Heights, Ohio/Midpark) all scored for Gannon. The deciding play was Wagner's diving save on the Lady Knights' fourth attempt.

Gannon, ranked eighth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) national rankings and third in the NCAA Division II Atlantic regional rankings, moved to 13-3-2 overall with the postseason tie. The verdict snapped a four-match win streak. East Stroudsburg, tabbed sixth in the latest regional rankings, is now 10-4-5 overall after posting its second victory of the season against the Lady Knights.

Head coach Colin Petersen's club now awaits word on a possible NCAA Division II Tournament bid. The NCAA Selection Show is scheduled for Monday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. on http://www.ncaa.com.
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