PITTSFORD, N.Y. – The No. 2-seeded St. John Fisher women's soccer team advanced to the Empire 8 Conference semifinals with a 1-0 victory over No. 7-seeded Houghton on Saturday evening at Growney Stadium.
The Cardinals (11-4-2) pushed their season-long winning streak to five games with the victory. They will host East Avenue rival Nazareth (9-6-3), which beat SUNY Geneseo 3-0 in its quarterfinal contest, at 6 p.m. on Wednesday with a spot in the conference championship game on the line.
How It Happened
Fisher dictated possession throughout the match, generating consistent pressure in the attacking third and creating chance after chance against a compact Houghton back line. The Cardinals outshot the Highlanders 26–7, held a 15–2 advantage in corner kicks and forced Houghton goalkeeper Preslee Miller to make 14 saves as Fisher pushed relentlessly for the opening goal.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 67th minute. After a sustained spell of pressure, a loose ball fell to Abby Fagnani inside the box, and the senior placed her shot into the left side of the net to give Fisher the deserved 1–0 lead.
From there, the Cardinals managed the remainder of the match with composure, limiting Houghton's opportunities and playing out the final minutes to secure the shutout. Goalkeeper Isabella Ayers was not called on to make a save in the win.
Game Notes
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Fagnani's goal marked the first of her collegiate career.
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The Cardinals have won 11 games in back-to-back seasons. Fisher hadn't won more than 10 games in two straight seasons since 1982-83.
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The Cardinals' 11 wins are tied for the fourth most by a team in program history.
Up Next
The Cardinals face No. 3-seeded Nazareth at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Growney Stadium. They edged the Golden Flyers 2-1 on the road in the regular-season finale this past Wednesday.
