DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. — Powered by a game-high two goals from graduate student Madison Rosa (Dublin, Calif./Dublin) and a game-high three assists from sophomore Hailey Metzger (Levittown, N.Y./MacArthur), the No. 1 seeded Mercy University Women's Soccer Team earned a 4-1 win over No. 4 seeded Daemen University in an ECC Women's Soccer Championship Semifinal matchup on Sunday afternoon at Mercy Field.
The Mavericks (14-2-2) advance to the Final for the first time since 2022 and defeat the Wildcats (11-6-1) for the second time this season. Mercy now has their most wins in a season since 2022. The Mavericks will host No. 3 seed Roberts Wesleyan in the ECC Championship Final on Sunday, November 16th at 1 p.m.
The match began with sophomore Anneliese Becker (Stafford, Va./Mountain View) in goal for the Mavericks and Becca Schultz for Daemen. Mercy took the lead in the 24th minute when senior Ancksu Dixon (Freeport, N.Y./Freeport) scored, assisted by Metzger. Daemen quickly equalized, with Kylie Miranto finding the back of the net in the 25th minute, assisted by Kaitlyn Wright. Mercy applied pressure with several shots, including attempts by senior Ella Brower (Huntington Station, N.Y./The College of Saint Rose) and Metzger, all saved by Schultz. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams displaying strong defensive efforts.
Mercy extended their lead early in the second period with Rosa scoring in the 54th minute, assisted by Metzger. Rosa struck again in the 64th minute, also assisted by Metzger, bringing the score to 3-1. Junior Ella Gallino (Middlebury, Conn./Pomperaug) added another goal for the Mavericks in the 77th minute, widening the gap to 4-1. Mercy maintained control for the remainder of the match, securing a decisive victory.
Rosa scored twice, including the game-winning goal, and finished with three shots on goal. Metzger contributed three assists and led with eight shots, four of which were on target. Metzger now has 12 assists on the year, tying the single season school record set previously by Jessica DeLeon in 2014. Dixon added a goal with her only shot of the match. Brower registered four shots, three of them on goal, contributing to the offensive effort. Becker played the full 90 minutes in goal to earn the win.
Miranto stood out for the Wildcats with a goal from her two shots, one of which was on target. Wright made a significant impact by providing the team's only assist, adding to her tally with one shot attempted. In goal, Schultz was a key player, recording nine saves on 26 shots faced.
Mercy held a 26-3 edge in shots, a 13-1 edge in shots on goal and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.
Head Coach Jack Nicholson and the Mavericks resume action on Sunday, November 16th when they host No. 3 seed Roberts Wesleyan in the ECC Championship Final at 1 p.m.
