December 06, 2019
They had met before, nearly three months ago on Messiah's home turf, with the Falcons blanking the Tartans, 3-0.
It took 26 minutes in this rematch for someone to strike first. It was the rookie — and its first-year player — that lit up the scoreboard and sent jubilation through the sea of Tartan supporters. When Carnegie Mellon's Alex Adams kicked in a deflection for the first goal of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Semifinal, it was clear to both teams that history wouldn't play a factor on a cool, windy afternoon at UNC-Greensboro.
Historic Soccer Season Ends in National Semifinals
One team from Pennsylvania arrived in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a number one national ranking, not to mention a dozen prior Final Four appearances in their storied history. The other soccer squad, from Carnegie Mellon University, came to this Division III national semifinal for the very first time.They had met before, nearly three months ago on Messiah's home turf, with the Falcons blanking the Tartans, 3-0.
It took 26 minutes in this rematch for someone to strike first. It was the rookie — and its first-year player — that lit up the scoreboard and sent jubilation through the sea of Tartan supporters. When Carnegie Mellon's Alex Adams kicked in a deflection for the first goal of the NCAA Division III Women's Soccer National Semifinal, it was clear to both teams that history wouldn't play a factor on a cool, windy afternoon at UNC-Greensboro.
Goalkeeper Andrea Sipos punches the ball away from the goal.
The Tartans reflect on their historic season.
"Messiah was really knocking us around to begin the game, but then we got a goal and settled down," said Yon Struble, Carnegie Mellon head coach. "Nerves went away and we played our game. At that point, I felt we were the better team."
Carnegie Mellon would take the 1-0 lead into the locker room, then hold onto it for much of the second half, despite multiple attacks on goal by Messiah. Then, less than 13 minutes from victory, Tartan senior goalkeeper Andrea Sipos finally saw a shot she couldn't stop. The Falcons had tied the game at 1-1.
Neither team scored again in regulation. They played two overtimes, but no goals were . Finally, with the survivor advancing to Saturday's national championship game, the Tartans and Falcons lined up for penalty kicks. This was how Carnegie Mellon advanced to the Final Four two weeks ago, outlasting the University of St. Thomas.
This time, unfortunately, would be different.
Messiah saved three shots, and Carnegie Mellon lost in penalty kicks, 3-1.
The season is over, but not without making history.
"We improved so much during the year," said Maddy Lui, a sophomore defender majoring in mechanical engineering. "We've worked so hard and sacrificed so much. We kept pushing every game, and with that mentality, we earned the right to be here."
"It's very bittersweet," said business administration senior Tara Durstewitz, who played the final game of her life. "I'm thinking back to when I was a little girl. I was on the Purple Butterflies. I couldn't be more proud of who I've become and how I've developed because of this game."
Carnegie Mellon would take the 1-0 lead into the locker room, then hold onto it for much of the second half, despite multiple attacks on goal by Messiah. Then, less than 13 minutes from victory, Tartan senior goalkeeper Andrea Sipos finally saw a shot she couldn't stop. The Falcons had tied the game at 1-1.
Neither team scored again in regulation. They played two overtimes, but no goals were . Finally, with the survivor advancing to Saturday's national championship game, the Tartans and Falcons lined up for penalty kicks. This was how Carnegie Mellon advanced to the Final Four two weeks ago, outlasting the University of St. Thomas.
This time, unfortunately, would be different.
Messiah saved three shots, and Carnegie Mellon lost in penalty kicks, 3-1.
The season is over, but not without making history.
"We improved so much during the year," said Maddy Lui, a sophomore defender majoring in mechanical engineering. "We've worked so hard and sacrificed so much. We kept pushing every game, and with that mentality, we earned the right to be here."
"It's very bittersweet," said business administration senior Tara Durstewitz, who played the final game of her life. "I'm thinking back to when I was a little girl. I was on the Purple Butterflies. I couldn't be more proud of who I've become and how I've developed because of this game."
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Carnegie Mellon University women's soccer team faces off against No. 1 Messiah College in the NCAA Divsion III Women's Soccer Championship semifinals in Greensboro, North Carolina.
CMU is presented with a semifinalist trophy.