Loyola Wins 2009 MAAC Women's Soccer Championship
MAAC Sports
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. - Top-seeded Loyola University won the 2009 MAAC Women's Soccer Championship with a 3-2 victory over Niagara at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
The Purple Eagles struck first in the 10th minute as senior midfielder Brittany Benthin scored her second goal of the season, with help from senior midfielder Chiara Greco and junior goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers.
In the 39th minute, sophomore forward Adriana Gallo tapped in a pass from Greco to the right corner of the net to give Niagara a 2-0 lead going into halftime.
In the 62nd minute, Loyola's senior midfielder Christina Gomez capitalized on a penalty kick to cut Niagara's lead by one goal. Less than two minutes later, freshman midfielder Gianna Mangione touched in a pass from senior defender Heather Cooke to tie the game at 2-2.
Freshman midfielder Tessa McClenahan then scored the Greyhounds' third goal within five minutes, heading in the ball on the left side of the net at the 66th minute to make it 3-2 in favor of Loyola.
Mangione was named Most Valuable Player of the Championship. Joining her on the All-Tournament Team are fellow teammates Heather Cooke, Theresa Ferraina and Danielle Ippolito as well as Benthin, Bowers, Greco from Niagara. Kathleen DiPasquale and Sylvia Kowalski from Canisius as well as Teresa Ferraro and Jackie Sabia round out the members of the All-Tournament Team.