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WVU, Georgetown, Duke and Santa Clara all advance

photo courtesy of Georgetown University

photo courtesy of Georgetown University

Georgetown Defeats Virginia 2-0

For the second time this season, the Hoyas defeated the Cavaliers 2-0. Sunday’s match was markedly different than September’s 3-2 affair. September’s game highlighted the offensive capabilities of the sides. An intense wind and blustery conditions keep the technical sides largely from playing the type of soccer they favor. In the first half of play, neither side really challenged the opposing keeper.

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The Hoyas struck early in the second half with the wind now at their backs. The team earned a corner, took it short and then send it into the box. A clearance attempt by a Virginia defender went awry, leading to an own goal. In the 54th minute, Georgetown nearly extended their lead to two after a bad back pass by Megan Reid was intercepted by Amanda Carolan. Carolan was unable to get her shot on frame, though. The Hoyas would extend their lead late in the match off of a Rachel Corboz free kick in the 77th minute. Corboz’s shot was a rocket that Virginia keeper Morgan Stearns had little chance of stopping.

Rachel Corboz has been involved in all of the Hoyas’ goals in the postseason aside from the own goal. The Cavaliers were limited to just three shots in the contest. Georgetown will host Santa Clara in the Elite Eight next week.

West Virginia Downs UCLA in Penalties to Advance

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Weather also played a part in the game between the Mountaineers and the Bruins. A cold front that came through Morgantown, W.Va Saturday left the field with a light covering of snow, prompting the use of pink balls instead of the traditional white ones for the game. UCLA controlled possession about the first 15 minutes of play but from there on out, it was almost all West Virginia. The Mountaineers took 25 shots to UCLA’s 6 over the course of the contest.

West Virginia got on the board in the 23rd minute when Bruin keeper Teagan Micah got her hand on a cross sent into the box by Micaela Abam but was unable to corral it. The ball fell to Sh’Nia Gordon who easily tapped it in for the tally. Despite the aforementioned advantage in shots, West Virginia was unable to extend their lead. West Virginia’s inability to finish would could back to haunt them as Jessie Flemming headed in a cross to tie to game at 1-1 in the 88th minute of play.

After two scoreless overtime period, the game moved to penalties. West Virginia overcame its bad history with shootouts in the NCAA tournament by defeating UCLA 4-2 in the shootout. Jessie Flemming failed to convert her spot kick for the Bruins.  Meanwhile, it was fellow Canadian Kadeisha Buchanan’s kick that sent the Mountaineers to the Elite Eight for the second time in as many years.

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{MORE: UNC, Auburn, and USC join South Carolina in Elite Eight}

Santa Clara Advances 3-0 Over NC State

NC State outshot Santa Clara 18 to 7 in the contest, but the Broncos managed to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. About midway through the first half, NC State was called for handling in the box. Broncos’ leading scorer Jordan Jesolva converted from the spot to put Santa Clara on top. The half would end with Jesolva’s goal being the only difference. In the second half, NC State generated some dangerous opportunities particularly through Tziarra King but couldn’t find an equalizer.

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The Broncos added two late goals as the Wolfpack pressed to get back into the back. The first came in 80th minute when Julie Vass took a shot from about 22 yards out that hit the crossbar and in. The Broncos added a controversial third goal late, off of a free kick. Based on the angle available from the stream,  it was difficult to determine if the ball actually crossed the line or not. Brittany Ambrose was credited with the strike. Santa Clara will now head east to play Georgetown in the Elite Eight. It is the Broncos first Elite Eight appearance in 11 years.

Duke Defeats Northwestern 1-0

A first half goal from Ella Stevens was all that the Blue Devils needed to advance to the round of eight next weekend. Duke attempted 22 shots to the Wildcats two but ultimately the stingy  Northwestern defense and stellar play from goalkeeper Lauren Clem kept the scoreline from being more lopsided. The Blue Devils, the only participant in last year’s Final Four still alive, will travel to Morgantown to face West Virginia in the next round. More details on this match can be found here.

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