The Blue Devils Win Third Straight NEC Title
Central improved to 7-0 with a 4-0 shutout victory over LIU in the NEC Championship on Friday.
For the third consecutive season, the Central Connecticut State University women's soccer team was crowned the Northeast Conference Champion. The Blue Devils bested the Sharks of LIU in a dominating 4-0 victory on Friday afternoon. Junior midfielder Roma McLaughlin was named the championship's most valuable player after she scored the game's first goal and added an assist.
The win kept CCSU's perfect season alive, as the Blue Devils now stand at 7-0 heading into the NCAA Tournament. The win is the 11th in program history and 9th for head coach Mick D'Arcy.
ROMA McLAUGHLIN POSTGAME INTERVIEW
MICK D'ARCY POSTGAME INTERVIEW
GAME INFORMATION
Score: Central Connecticut 4, Long Island 0
Records: CCSU (7-0, 7-0 NEC), LIU (3-1-1, 3-1-1 NEC)
Location: CCSU Soccer Field | New Britain, CT
KEY MOMENTS
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Freshman Kristina Kelly found a great opportunity to put Central on the board, but her shot was saved by the LIU keeper. The game remained scoreless with just under 28 minutes to play in the first half.
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After a stretch of tough defensive play from both squads, Roma McLaughlin sent a strike towards the box. Her shot was slightly deflected by the Sharks, but carried to the back of the net. Zoe McGlynn was credited with the assist.
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The Blue Devils acquired its second goal off a gorgeous pass from Jenna Rae Covello to the NEC Freshman of the Year Kelly Brady, who sent it home with a header. The goal gave CCSU a 2-0 lead with just over 30:19 to play.
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In the 75th minute, senior Erica Bardes sent in a corner kick from the near side, which was headed into the goal by Taylor Smith. Smith had just subbed into the match and quickly made an impact, finding space in the box to score the team's third goal.
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The Blue Devils were not finished tacking on, as freshman Gia Edwards netted first career goal in the 84th minute. Edwards took a pass from McLaughlin and fired a shot that was deflected by LIU, but ricocheted into the net.
COACH QUOTE:
"It's the third consecutive one now, and to win at home makes it that much more special."
-Head Coach Mick D'Arcy
NUMBER TO KNOW
0 – The Blue Devils did not allow a single shot on goal in a completely dominant defensive effort from start to finish.
NOTES
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Roma McLaughlin scored her fourth goal of the season and was awarded the NEC Championship Most Valuable Player.
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Senior defender Tess Atkinson was named to the All-Tournament Team along with McLaughlin.
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Goalkeeper of the Year Amanda McQuillan posted her sixth shutout of the season and did not allow a single goal in all six of those games.
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The Blue Devils recorded an assist on all four goals, coming from Zoe McGlynn, Jenna Rae Covello, Erica Bardes, and Roma McLaghlin.
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As a team, Central put up an overwhelming 15 shots with 10 going on goal.
UP NEXT
The Blue Devils advance to the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season. The selection show will be live on Monday, April 19 at 1:00 pm on ncaa.com.
