Senior forward Melissa Shulman netted two goals, including the game-winner, as top-seeded Boston University defeated No. 5 New Hampshire 2-1 in overtime semifinal action of the 2005 America East Women’s Soccer Championship at Nickerson Field in Boston, Mass.
The Terriers move on to the title game of the conference championship, which they will also host on November 5 at 1 p.m. Boston U. awaits its opponent as the other semifinal contest between No. 3 Binghamton and No. 2 Maine gets underway at approximately 2:30 p.m.
With just over five minutes remaining in regulation, the Terriers found themselves down 1-0 despite dominating the entire match. New Hampshire’s Marianne Rivard headed in a pass from Kelly Collins to give the Wildcats a surprising 1-0 lead at the 84:43.
Boston U. wasted no time in responding. Melissa Shulman took a pass from America East Striker of the Year Meghann Cook and beat UNH goalkeeper Julie Randall at the 85:52 mark. The Terriers tied the game at 1-1 and took momentum into overtime.
The Terriers rode that emotional wave and turned it into another score just 1:40 into the overtime frame. Shulman was the hero as she scored the game-winning unassisted goal to give Boston University the victory.
For the game, Boston University outshot UNH an astounding 25-3 and also attempted eight more corner kicks (11-3) than the Wildcats. New Hampshire’s Randall stopped seven shots in net, while Boston U.’s Christine Reuter made just one save in goal.
The winner of the America East Championship earns the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The women’s soccer selection announcement is scheduled to be held on Monday, November 7 live on ESPNews (time TBA).
SCORING
New Hampshire - Marianne Rivard (Kelly Collins), 84:43
Boston U. - Melissa Shulman (Meghann Cook), 85:52
Boston U. - Melissa Shulman (unassisted), 91:40
SHOTS
New Hampshire: 3
Boston U.: 25
CORNER KICKS
New Hampshire: 3
Boston U.: 11
SAVES
New Hampshire: Julie Randall (91:40 7 saves)
Boston U.: Christine Reuter (91:40, 1 save)