Crimson Hawks Athletic Association

Nov. 15, 2009

Stats

Viann Heder led IUP into the third round of the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history, scoring the game-winning goal in the waning moments to give the Crimson Hawks a 1-0 victory over host West Chester. IUP will face California in the Atlantic Region championship game Friday at a site to be determined.

West Chester, ranked fifth in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll, concluded its season with a 19-2-1 record, while IUP advances with a 14-6-2 record.

IUP had not defeated the Golden Rams since 2001 and ended a nine-game losing skid to West Chester, which won the PSAC championship earlier this month. The Crimson Hawks avenged a loss 4-1 loss to the Golden Rams in the semifinals of the conference tournament.

After battling through a scoreless 87:41 minutes, Heder put IUP on top with a free kick that went past Lyndsie Bernardini. The goal was Heder's fourth of the season and first game winning-goal of the year.

The Crimson Hawks put together one of its best defensive performances of the postseason against the high scoring Golden Rams offense. Kelly Brennan recorded two saves in the shutout, which was her seventh of the season. IUP did not allow a goal in its opening two tournament games, including a shutout of Gannon in the opening round Friday.

IUP was outshot by West Chester 15-9, but the Crimson Hawks led the way in quality scoring opportunities. Sarah Romasco and Allison Keller both had great chances to put IUP in front with hard shots on the West Chester net before the Heder goal.

"West Chester had some opportunities after we scored but the defense came up big for us in the final moments," IUP head coach Adel Heder said. "We're so happy for the team, and I am very proud of them. This is a great feeling and we're looking forward to continuing the season."

California advanced to the third round with a victory over Kutztown as both of the top two seeds in the Atlantic Regional were knocked out of the tournament Sunday. The Vulcans swept the regular season series from IUP by scores of 2-1 and 4-0.