Women's Soccer Falls, 1-0 to CCSU in NEC Title Game

(boxscore)

11/6/05 --Long Island's bid for a second Northeast Conference title came up short on Sunday as they fell to top-seeded Central Connecticut, 1-0 in the women's soccer championship in New Britain, Conn. With the victory, the Blue Devils (17-3) earned their fourth consecutive league crown.

Junior Jessica McCavanagh scored the game's lone goal, earning most valuable player honors.

Seniors Jackie McCormick and Fab Rezayat along with junior Selima Berisha were named to the all-tournament team for the Blackbirds (13-6-1).

McCavanagh scored the game-winner in the 65th minute. Siobhan McCaffrey played a ball into the 18 yard box from beyond midfield, and McCavanagh tapped it in after the ball found its way by a charging Blackbird goalkeeper Stephanie Kansky.

The Blue Devil defense, headed by all-tournament team selection Megan Kavanaugh, preserved the win over the final 25 minutes, during which the Blackbirds did not attempt a shot on goal.

The two teams combined for just three shots during the scoreless first period, with Long Island holding a 2-1 advantage.

The Blue Devils challenged the Blackbird defense again with 33:36 remaining in the game, but a Long Island defender blocked McCaffrey's free kick from just outside the 18 to foil the effort.

Overall, Long Island out shot CCSU, 5-3.

With the loss, Long Island finished the year with 13-6-1 record.

NEC All-Tournament Team
Orlagh Cullen – Sacred Heart senior midfielder
Janice Rodriguez – Sacred Heart freshman defender
Terri Rockovich – St. Francis (PA) junior defender
Chastity Liberatore – St. Francis (PA) junior defender
Selima Berisha – Long Island junior forward
Jackie McCormick – Long Island senior forward
Fabrieanna Rezayat – Long Island senior defender
Siobhan McCaffrey – CCSU freshman midfielder
Megan Kavanaugh – CCSU senior defender
Ashley Ferra – CCSU senior goalkeeper
Jess McCavanagh – CCSU junior forward (MVP)