University of Albany's Chelsea DeVerna's Golden Goal Lifts Women's Soccer Over UMass, 1-0, in Double Overtime - UAlbany Sports 2009

Amherst, Mass. - Freshman Chelsea DeVerna's first career goal in the 104th minute led the UAlbany women's soccer team to a thrilling 1-0 double overtime victory over Massachusetts on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Rudd Field. Freshman goalkeeper Breanna Maggio made four saves to earn the shutout in the Great Danes' first-ever win over an Atlantic 10 Conference opponent.

After the teams combined for only two shots on goal in the first half, UMass (0-4), which has made six College Cup appearances in its storied history, had its best scoring opportunity in the 56th minute. Therese Smith, who netted both goals for the Minutewomen in their 2-1 victory over the Great Danes last year, fired a shot past Maggio which was headed for the right post. However, UAlbany's Katie Grant cleared the ball when it was on the goal line to keep the match scoreless. Maggio also made a key save in the 77th minute on a header taken by Lindsey DiOrio.

UAlbany (2-3), which has blanked two of its past three opponents and has allowed only one goal in over 303 minutes of action, almost got on the scoreboard just before time expired in the 88th minute. Maggie DeVerna had a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Emily Cota, but the freshman who was named to the Atlantic 10 preseason all-rookie team was able to turn away the shot. Casey Marks' attempt at her first career goal off the ensuing corner kick sailed high, and the teams headed to overtime.

The Minutewomen controlled play for most of the first overtime. The squad had a corner kick opportunity as well as two quality shots which went wide and high. The Great Danes had a corner kick opportunity in the final minute, but the shot attempt by Chelsea DeVerna in the waning seconds was blocked by a UMass defender to force another extra session.

UAlbany's momentum carried over into the second overtime. Chelsea DeVerna, the 2008 Suffolk County Player of the Year, took consecutive shots in the opening minutes which were saved by Cota. However, the freshman was able to capitalize on her third opportunity of the frame by evading several defenders and beating Cota with a shot to the right post for the golden goal.

Maggio, who was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week yesterday, saved four of the 16 shots she faced to earn her first career win. UMass goalkeeper Lauren Luckey got the start and made one stop on five chances in the first half. She was relieved by Cota in the second half, who made seven saves on 16 chances and was credited with the loss.

UAlbany will continue its three-game road trip against a trio of Atlantic 10 opponents when it visits La Salle on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

UAlbany (2-3) 0 0 0 1 - 1
Massachusetts (0-4) 0 0 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Chelsea DeVerna (1-0). Goalkeeping: Breanna Maggio (103:20, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Massachusetts: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping: Lauren Luckey (45:00, 0 GA, 1 save), Emily Cota (58:20, 1 GA, 7 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information