Swarthmore Wins Third Consecutive ECAC Title With 1-0 Victory Over PSU-Behrend
ALTOONA, Pa. - Junior Kirsten Peterson netted the game-winning goal in the 56th minute to lead the Swarthmore College women's soccer team to its third consecutive ECAC South Region Championship , defeating PSU-Behrend 1-0 on Sunday afternoon from Altoona. The Garnet end the season with the three-peat and a 16-4-1 record.
Junior Kirsten Peterson netted the game winning goal to win her third straight ECAC title.
The Garnet women went into Sunday's game in search for its third straight ECAC title in a match-up against the Penn St.-Behrend Lady Lions. Both teams were in a deadlock throughout the first half as both defenses played strong, allowing only four total shots and a lone shot on goal.
In the second half, the Garnet offense turned up the heat and pressured the Lady Lions defense. Swarthmore blasted eight shots in the second half, more than doubling its first half total. The Garnet only had one shot on goal in the game but that was all it needed to take home the title. In the 56th minute, a sharp pass from junior Liz Mills set up Peterson, who ripped the ball past the Lions' keeper.
From there, the Garnet defense held firm and the midfield controlled possession until the final whistle, sealing the three-peat for the Garnet women.
In goal for the Garnet, sophomore Marie Mutryn made three saves to earn her there shutout of the ECAC Tournament. Mutryn and the Garnet defense did not allow a goal for the entire tournament.
With the win, the Garnet captured the ECAC title for the third consecutive year and became only the second team to three-peat and the first since 1988 (Geneseo).