In an instant classic Thursday night, Nov. 2, the Central Connecticut State University women’s soccer team defeated Howard University 2-1 in the Northeast Conference Tournament semifinals.
The game was dominated by the Blue Devils from the start. The defense shut down the Howard attack, only allowing two shots in the first half.
The two sides remained deadlocked after the first 45 minutes, and CCSU looked as if they were going to win. But Howard would be awarded a free kick a couple of yards out from the edge of the box and capitalized to give the Bison the lead.
CCSU stayed in the game, attacking and defending solidly. That determination would pay off in the 87th minute when All-NEC First Team forward Giavanna Inzerillo forced a penalty kick. Aoife Horgan stepped up to take the penalty and hit a beauty in the bottom right corner, tying the game at 1-1.
Head coach Mick D’Arcy said he was aware of the edge the Blue Devils had over the Bison and knew that all the team needed was for Howard to make a mistake.
“Statistically, we had more shots, more possession, we certainly created more chances, so we just needed a break,” D’Arcy said. “Fortunately, we got the penalty, and that just opened the door for us.”
At the end of the regulation, tied at 1-1, both teams were still playing tug of war, not wanting to let go.
Howard eventually lost the battle in the 101st minute when CCSU’s junior midfielder, Daniela De Souza, scored a goal in the top corner to put the Blue Devils ahead.
Coach D’Arcy spoke highly of what De Souza has brought to the team in her first season after transferring from Monroe College.
“She’s been a big contributor in her first year with us,” D’Arcy said. “Her composure in that moment to take it was great.”
The Blue Devils were patient and let the game come to them. They knew that they only needed one chance to capitalize on, D’Arcy said.
“We kept going. We knew the chance would come, finally came with the penalty, and then once it went into overtime, I knew we’d win it from there,” D’Arcy said.
With the win, the Blue Devils advance to the NEC Conference Tournament Championship game on Sunday, Nov. 5, against Wagner University, 1 p.m., at CCSU Soccer Field.
