Crusaders Upset in WHAC Semi-finals
#4 seed Aquinas knocks off regular season champs, 3-1

Oct. 27, 2007

		Keith Sied takes a tumble as MU fell to #4 seed Aquinas, 3-1

BOX SCORE

LIVONIA, Mich. – Two second half goals by #4 seed Aquinas College were the difference as top-seed Madonna fell at home Saturday, 3-1, in the WHAC tournament semi-finals.

The Saints (13-5-1) move on to face the winner of tonight's other WHAC semi-final and will play at either #2 Davenport or #3 Cornerstone for the tournament title Tuesday.

Madonna (12-3-2) still advances to next week's NAIA Region VIII tournament by virtue of the regular season championship.

The Saints got on the board first when Erich Jackson connected off an assist from Levi Swaney, beating MU keeper Kris Lyons who slipped on the muddy Greanmead Field surface to take a 1-0 lead at the 35:35 mark.

That goal would carry Aquinas through the half before MU senior Darrel Quinn headed a goal past Aquinas keeper Ben Richardson at the 49:43 mark, tying the game 1-1.

With the rain continuing to fall, both teams struggled to gain control until the 59:14 mark when Mike Vaughn put on a great individual effort, slipping past three MU defenders to score unassisted and give the Saints a 2-1 lead.

MU could not recover as Richardson made save after save, including three impressive stops after being treated for a large cut under his eye which stopped play for nearly 10-minutes mid-way through the second frame.

Every MU effort was turned away by Richardson, who watched as Eric Smith fed Jeovani Pantoja from the left 90, slashing two the net for the insurance goal and a 3-1 final score.

For the game Madonna out shot Aquinas 16-15, including an 8-5 edge in the second half.

Richardson made six saves in the contest as did Lyons, who allowed three goals to Richardson's one.

Madonna will await their opponent in the upcoming regional tournament.  They will be the #4 overall seed and play their first match at a MCC opponent on Saturday, November 3rd.  Check back to Crusaders Online for opponent, site and time information.

Contact:
Matt Fancett
(734) 432-5610
mfancett@madonna.edu