Women's Soccer Blanks Sacred Heart, 1-0, on Senior Day

(boxscore)

10/30/05 -- Senior Meghann McCormick (Liverpool, N.Y.) scored the lone goal of the game in the 53rd minute as Long Island University (12-5-1) defeated Sacred Heart (8-9-1), 1-0, in women’s soccer action on Sunday afternoon. The victory pushes LIU’s unbeaten streak to eight games and secures the number two seed in the Northeast Conference tournament next weekend in New Britain, Conn.

The win also sets a school record for victories in a season, previously established in 1999. The Blackbirds finish an impressive home year in which they allowed only three goals in eight games en route to a perfect 8-0 record.

After a scoreless first half, McCormick found the back of the net for the fourth time this season. Junior Selima Berisha (Bellevue, Wash.) played the ball back to the senior midfielder, who slid a low shot just inside the right goal post for the game-winner. It was McCormick’s second game-winning goal this season.

Senior Fab Rezayat (Bainbridge Island, Wash.) anchored a stifling Blackbirds defense that limited the Pioneers to three shots on the match. Stephanie Kansky (Bellevue, Wash.) recorded two saves in goal as she notched her second consecutive shutout and third this season. The junior also moved into a tie for first place on the all-time career shutouts list (13).

LIU moves on to the NEC Tournament hosted by number one seed Central Connecticut State. The four-team tournament will begin on Friday, Nov. 4.

The Blackbirds will play either Sacred Heart, St. Francis (Pa.) or Fairleigh Dickinson in the semifinal round. The semifinal winners will advance to the championship game on Sunday, Nov. 6 for the right to represent the Northeast Conference in the NCAA Tournament.