FROSTBURG — Frostburg State has waged some memorable battles with its conference rivals from Stevenson, and Sunday’s ECAC South Regional Championship was no exception. After 90 more minutes of hard-fought soccer, Frostburg State earned bragging rights with a 1-0, title-clinching victory at Bobcat Stadium.
In the 32nd minute, junior defender Liz Seligman carried the ball from deep in Bobcat territory unopposed until she ripped a shot from about 30 yards out that beat Mustang keeper Brittany Ross to the top left corner.
Stevenson (14-6-3) controlled the play for much of the first 25 minutes with Brandy Foehrkolb, Jamie Matlock and Julie Dempsey having the best opportunities for the Mustangs in that time.
The momentum began to shift from the spark provided by freshman Stephanie Fazenbaker in the 24th minute. She had two great opportunities in the Stevenson box just a day after recording a hat trick against Penn State-Altoona. First, a Mustang defender rescued Fazenbaker’s header from the goal line, and that clearing attempt came right back to the freshman. Her shot hit the crossbar, fell straight down within inches of the line before finally being swept away. Two tantalizingly close chances could not lift the Bobcats ahead.
That changed for Frostburg (17-2-2) with Seligman’s goal.
“One special moment was the difference in a very competitive game and we were fortunate it happened in our favor today,” Frostburg State head coach Brian Parker said. “Stevenson is a quality, hard-working, well-coached team, and we wish our rivalry could continue but wish them all the best in their new conference.”
The second half opened up even more. Matlock had another great chance in the 50th minute. She took a pass from forward Stephanie Eyler and banged the shot off the crossbar above senior goalkeeper Michelle Buckmaster. Matlock and Eyler led all players with six shots apiece.
Soon after that, Buckmaster denied Meaghan Williams with a sliding save. The senior finished the final game of her career with eight saves and the shutout victory.
Sophomore forward Adria Graham had a few quality chances including a breakaway in the 52nd minute without beating Ross. Graham was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player with her four goals in the ECAC Regional. She led Frostburg on Sunday with four shots and three on goal.
Stevenson outshot Frostburg, 21-14, for the match. That included an 11-5 mark in the second half as the Mustangs raced to find the tying goal. It never materialized, and Frostburg State is able to celebrate an ECAC title after losing last season in the same game on penalty kicks.
“This team has impressed me from day one in preseason and I’m thrilled that our seniors could end their careers with such a great game here in our own stadium,” Parker said. “I can’t express well enough in words how honored I am to be the women’s soccer coach at Frostburg State.”
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Related Photos
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Frostburg State’s Liz Seligman (16) looks at the goal moments before booting what would become the Bobcats’ game-winning goal as FSU defeated Stevenson University 1-0 for the ECAC South Region Championship Sunday afternoon at Bobcat Stadium. Steve Bittner
Frostburg wins ECAC South title
Liz Seligman’s goal stands up against Stevenson, 1-0
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