Brookhaven, N.Y. - Erika Krumholz scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute to help the Dowling women's soccer team claim their first East Coast Conference (ECC) championship title with a 1-0 victory over Molloy College. This win gives the Golden Lions an automatic NCAA postseason bid, their second in team history.
In the opening half of play, the Golden Lions maintained possession for a majority of the 45 minutes. Outshooting the Lions 8-3, Dowling created plenty of chances to take an early lead, but Molloy's defense held strong to keep the game scoreless through the first half.
DC's Megan Emmanuelo had the first opportunity with a shot off her head, but Molloy's Nicole Dellaporta was there to make the save. Just about 10 minutes later Erika Krumholz blasted a shot from just in front of the midline that took a big bounce over the Lions' goalkeeper, but she was able to recover and make the save. Molloy's first opportunity on the net came from a cross off the foot of Danielle Pigott, but the Dowling defense was able to clear the ball and send it forward.
In the 35th minute Emmanuelo, in the box, received a pass from Karen Endresen but again Dellaporta came up with the save. The best scoring opportunity for Molloy came in the 42nd minute when Allison Sloper, on a break away, had a shot that Dowling goalkeeper Sara Sullivan made a sliding save on to preserve the 0-0 tie as the game went into half time.
The Golden Lions increased their offensive attack in the second half, outshooting Molloy, 9-4. Dowling finally broke through at 75 minutes into the game as Krumholz fired a shot in from 35 yards out off a throw-in from Emanuelo, giving her team the 1-0 advantage. Molloy was unable to answer back as Sullivan remained strong in goal, preventing the Lions from scoring to record the shutout and give Dowling their first ECC title.
Sullivan finished with 5 saves on the day while Nicole Dellaporta had 8 for Molloy.
For their combined efforts, Sullivan and Krumholz were named Co-Most Outstanding Players of the ECC Tournament.
Provided by the Dowling Sports Information Department.
