Towson Triumphs Over William & Mary in Season Finale but Falls Short of CAA Tournament

By: Waindim Tufoin, Staff Writer and Nayeli Alonzo, contributing writer

A CAA tournament spot was on the line today for Towson as they took on the William & Mary Tribe. Needing a win and some help from Campbell and/or Northeastern, The Tigers needed to come out on top. 

The Tigers pressed William & Mary from the beginning of the game. In the second minute, forward Kale’a Perry shot the game’s first corner, reaching for a goal, but it was saved by William & Mary goalkeeper Morgan Wood. 

Towson, however, did not let up, as midfielder Danielle Campbell would take a shot from just outside the box that was saved. Later having a one-on-one opportunity for a goal, Wood would make the save. The Tigers continued to press, but they would also give up chances. 

Melendez and Wood were sharp in the first half as they stopped every shot on goal. Melendez ended the half with two saves, and Wood ended with four saves. 

The Tigers were desperate for an opening goal in the second half and showed it. At the beginning of the half, Perry would make a run at the goal and score, but was later ruled offside. She would make another run two minutes later, this time passing it to midfielder Sophie Thibeault, who would score, but was ruled offside as well. 

Still determined to get that first goal, Forward Courtney Butlion would find herself in front of the net again and she would score, but for the third time in the half, the Tigers would get called for offsides. 

The Tribe would increase their tempo, and the play in the second half turned physical. Both teams pushed and pulled shirts. A total of 20 fouls were called in the second half, and four yellow cards were issued. 

Just as it seemed like the Tribe was going to take control of the game, the Tigers ripped through the defense to force a corner. On the corner, midfielder Emma Levin would cross the ball into the box, and defender Maja Hansson would head the ball to the top of the net and in for Towson’s only goal of the game. The Tigers would win the game 1-0, giving them a chance to make the CAA tournament. 

“In the 2nd half, we really came out and needed to win this game for a chance at postseason play, and I’m really proud of the effort,” said Head Coach Katherine Vettori when asked about the effort of the team.

Shortly after Hansson’s goal, Northeastern would score on Delaware to make it 1-0. That result would put the Tigers in the CAA tournament if the score stood, but the Blue Hens would tie it just two minutes later. Charleston beat Campbell 4-0, and Delaware drew with Northeastern, putting the three teams at a three-way tie with 16 points. 

For this team, there’s moments to celebrate in this season but there’s also a glaring game that they would like to have back.

“We were seven games unbeaten in this streak,” said Vettori. “I thought we had some good non-conference results. Again, every point counts in the CAA, and giving up that goal with four minutes left against Northeastern to tie it up is separating us right now.” 

Towson ends the season with a record of 6-4-9 with one of the best defenses in the conference, allowing 0.89 goals per game, but ultimately scoring held the Tigers back as they scored 1.26 goals per game compared to 2.15 goals per game last season. 

A new champion will be crowned as the CAA tournament begins on Oct. 31.

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