MONTGOMERY, Ala. - A couple of heroic plays from seniors in their last home match at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium gave Faulkner the result it needed to clinch a berth in the SSAC Women's Soccer Championship with a 1-1 draw in the SSAC Game of the Week against Point Thursday night.
The Battle of I-85 saw a competitive, but scoreless first half with the biggest chances being denied with incredible goalkeeping. In the 14th minute, Keila Cardeiro made a massive save stopping a one-on-one with Naomi Tilley to keep the score level. Six minutes later the best chance for the Lady Eagles in the opening half arose. A strong high-press followed by a great shot from
Cassie Jackson appeared destined for goal, but Lisa Kelm robbed it with a highlight real snag.
In the second half, Lorelei Lewis passed a perfect ball to Isabella Frullaney who snuck the ball past the Faulkner defense and into the net in the 57th minute, putting Point into the eight seed in the live table.
The Skyhawks put Faulkner on the ropes in the 67th minute when they created another one-on-one with Cardeiro, but the Spanish keeper made a massive first save stopping Lewis's effort but the rebound fell to another Skyhawk who seemingly had an open net in front of her, but Cardeiro stopped Nolwenn Blain's shot again for a massive double save that ignited the huge senior night crowd.
Bedlam struck in the 84th minute when Jackson's cross was blocked out and
Alessia Confalonieri read the bounce perfectly, chested the ball down and lobbed the keeper, hitting the side netting, and putting Faulkner into the playoffs at the Skyhawks' expense.
The win doubled last season's win total and created a five-match unbeaten streak against the rival from just over 75 miles away.
Faulkner locks up the eight seed and will travel to either William Carey or UT Southern for the quarterfinals of the SSAC Women's Soccer Championship next week with opponent, date and time to be determined.
