Box Score
Senior Day Program

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 24, 2010) -- The Vassar College women's soccer team clinched the program's first ever Liberty League playoff berth with a 1-0 win over Union College Sunday afternoon at Gordon Field.

The Brewers (11-5-1, 5-2 Liberty) moved into second place of the Liberty League after this weekend's pair of 1-0 shutouts. They host Farmingdale this Wednesday, October 27 in their final regular season game. One of four teams to reach the playoffs, the Brewers host third place Hamilton (8-2-3, 4-2-1 Liberty) in the semifinals on Wednesday, November 3. The Dutchwomen (12-4, 4-3 Liberty) finish in fifth place of the Liberty League, narrowly missing the playoffs by one point. They finish their season this Wednesday on the road against Utica at 7:00 p.m.

In the final five minutes of a scoreless contest that seemed destined for overtime, both teams assembled outside the mouth of the Union goal and freshman Kylie Ladenberger set up a direct kick about 10 yards away from the right corner of the box, her first free kick of the game. She launched the ball to the far post, over the keeper and into the side netting to record her first collegiate goal and send the Brewers to the Liberty League playoffs for the first time in program history. Head coach Richard Moller's coaching move paid off and he said, “Kylie has a soft touch and struck a perfect ball at exactly the right time.”

The Brewers held off Union for the remaining four minutes to seal the victory and clinch the playoff berth. Moller said, “this is one of the biggest accomplishments this program has ever had and our great season continues.”

In a scoreless first half, both teams displayed formidable defensive units that limited quality shots and scoring opportunities. Union held a 6-1 edge in corners but the Brewers played excellent defense on set pieces. The Brewers had the best scoring chance in the the 27th minute as Ladenburger lofted a pass to classmate Sheeva Seyfi, who outran one defender and then made a hard crossover to break off the last defender. One on one with the keeper, Seyfi popped a promising shot over the sliding goalie toward the goal, but it skidded just wide of the post.

With six minutes remaining in the half, Union junior Jessica Strang found space and dribbled down the sideline and into the box until Vassar junior defender Alex Grant halted her progress with an excellent one on one stop before Strang could let off a shot. The teams played a very even contest with twelve shots apiece.

For Vassar, sophomore Ali Higgins (3-1) made eight saves in goal for her second straight shutout. Moller said, “Higgins shines in big game situations and that's just what we needed today.”

For Union, Kayla Marti (1-1) made three saves, including a fully-extended diving save of a rocket shot from senior Rachel Shea into the upper right corner during the second half.

Moller's first recruiting class celebrated Senior Day today and as the only group of players in program history to compile four consecutive winning seasons, this playoff berth represents their impact on the program. “This is my first recruiting class so it's amazing for their four years of hard work culminate with this win.” Moller said, “it shows how special this group is to the program.”