Box Score PHILADELPHIA – Forward Kristen Ferguson's 80th-minute goal was the difference as the Philadelphia University women's soccer team fought off Chestnut Hill, 2-1, in its Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Championship Tournament quarterfinal match Sunday afternoon on Ravenhill Field.
The second seeded Lady Rams improve to 12-7-0 overall, and advance to the semifinal round to face third-seed Caldwell—a 4-0 winner over Holy Family—on Friday, Nov. 2. Match time will be determined later in the week.
Ferguson's match-winning goal was a one-touch volley in front of Griffin keeper Jessica Veazey on a centering pass from defender Meagan Yates on the right side of the penalty area. The goal is Ferguson's eighth of 2012.
After playing a scoreless first half, Lady Ram forward Janine Cascio tallied the match's first goal in the 73rd minute as she chipped the ball over a challenging Veazey. Midfielder Trisha Sileo played the ball to Cascio—who scored her fourth goal of the year—by lofting the ball over a Griffin defender.
Chestnut Hill was able to answer against the run of play during the 76th minute. Kaelyn Pizzaro forced a turnover by the Philadelphia backline, got off a crossing pass before falling down, and found a sliding Carly DiGiovanni for the equalizer. DiGiovanni's goal is her conference-leading 16th of the year.
Philadelphia had a golden opportunity to take the lead with a penalty kick just 45 seconds into the match. Defender Chelsea Riedell attempted the shot, but put it right at Veazey for one of her nine saves.
Lady Ram keeper Kelli Kowalewski had one save.
Philadelphia outshot Chestnut Hill, 29-5, but the Griffins had a 5-4 corner kick advantage.
