The Niagara women’s soccer team appeared poised for a Disney-esque ride to the NCAA Tournament after 30 minutes of Monday’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference final in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
But a nightmarish stretch in the second half ended the Purple Eagles’ fairy tale run, as top-seeded Loyola took the title with a 3-2 triumph at the Walt Disney Wide World of Sports Complex.
Niagara, which came into the tournament seeded sixth, went to halftime with a 2-0 edge as Brittany Benthin and Adriana Gallo scored.
But Loyola (15-4-3) rallied after getting a penalty kick from Gianna Mangione to halve the advantage. A few minutes later, Tessa McClenahan scored what would prove to be the game winner.
Benthin, goalie Ashleigh Bowers and senior Chiara Greco were named to the MAAC all-tournament team.
“I am really proud on how the team played all week,” head coach Peter Veltri said. “They showed a lot of heart and determination all week and played a great game today. You have to give credit to Loyola.”
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