Late goals propel American University women to 3-2 triumph at Navy in season finale

The American University women's soccer team rallied with two scores in the final 2:57 to earn the 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Navy Friday night in Annapolis, Md.

American (6-10-3, 2-2-3 Patriot League) got on the scoreboard first when Jasmine Mohandesi registered her first-career goal off a loose ball scramble in the fifth minute.  Navy (9-8-3, 2-3-2 PL), however, struck back with a 12th minute score from Carissa Youker, and early in the second half, took a 2-1 advantage on a Sam Newhaller strike.

Trailing 2-1 in the 88th minute, American found the game-tying goal when a Brenna Smith corner kick was crossed to Kristin Piorun, who found the back of the net with her shot.  For Piorun, the score was her first of the season and third of her career.

A minute and 11 seconds later, the Eagles struck again, as Samantha Trotta scored her first-career goal off a pass from Michelle Montilio. American held the lead for the final 1:46 following Trotta's goal to come away with the road victory.

"It was a great job by our team to battle back with two goals in the last three minutes," said Head Coach Dave Bucciero. "To win on the road against a team that was playing for a Patriot League Tournament berth is not easy and I am extremely happy for our kids."

Lindsey Farthing played 70 minutes in goal for American, allowing one goal and earning the victory in her final collegiate match. Klare Lazor registered the other 20 minutes between the pipes for the Eagles, which marked her first collegiate appearance.

American's three goals marked a season-high. The last time the Eagles scored three times was last October 31 when AU defeated the Midshipmen, 3-0, at Reeves Field.

The victory gave the Eagles a 2-2-3 record in Patriot League play, marking the fifth straight season that American has registered a non-losing conference record. AU is a combined 16-9-10 in the Patriot League over the last five seasons.

Additionally, Friday's match marked a historic game in AU women's soccer history, as senior midfielder Brooke Sheppard made her program-record 78th career appearance in her final match as an Eagle. She made 65 starts in her four years, and led the team with nine points on three goals and three assists in the 2010 season.

"They have fought hard all year and this is a great way to finish our season," added Bucciero. "We hope to build on this win next year.