BOX SCORE Teaneck, N.J. - The Saint Francis women's soccer team (10-7-2, 6-1-1 NEC) gave itself an opportunity to defend its 2016 NEC Title on Friday with a 2-1 win over CCSU (10-7, 6-2 NEC) in the NEC Semifinals hosted by Fairleigh Dickinson.

Van Stralen's Reaction

"This was a hard-fought match between two good programs," said head coach Brenda van Stralen. "Give credit to CCSU because I thought they played a great game. Fortunately, we received two tremendous goals from Mariana and Gabi and it proved to be enough."

Turning Point

Freshman forward Mariana Jaleca (Sebtubal, Portugal/) showed the poise of an upperclassmen to break a scoreless match 10 minutes into the second half. NEC Offensive Player of the Year Alyssa McGhee (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) set up the chance with a pass to a free Jaleca down the left side. She took her touch and curled a shot to the back post that took a slight deflection for the match's opening goal.

Highlights

• Saint Francis was put under early pressure but sophomore goalkeeper was up to the task making numerous big saves. 
• The Red Flash built momentum over the second half of the first period and it carried into the second half. Jaleca injected life into the attack with her second career goal in her first career playoff match.
• Senior Gabi Morales (Madrid, Spain/Colegio La Inmaculada-Marillac) doubled the lead in the 66th minute, scoring her career-high seventh goal directly from a corner kick.
• CCSU freshman Jenna Rae Covello made Saint Francis sweat over the final six minutes, making the score 2-1 in the 84th minute.
• Hernan made one save in the final six minutes and the SFU back line held firm to clinch the win and send van Stralen's squad back into the finals.

Notes

• The Blue Devils recorded 20 shots to 14 for Saint Francis.
• Shots on goal were 10-7 for CCSU.
• Hernan came up large with nine saves, tying her second highest output of the season.
• McGhee and NEC Midfielder of the Year Siobhan Bross (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) led Saint Francis with three shots. 
• Saint Francis will play in its sixth championship game since 2010. The Red Flash are 3-2 in five title games under van Stralen.

Up Next

The second-seeded Red Flash meet the top-seed Fairleigh Dickinson Knights on Sunday, Nov. 5, in the NEC Final. The teams played to a 1-1 draw in Loretto earlier in the season.