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After not playing each other for nearly 10 years, the California (Pa.) University and West Chester University women’s soccer teams faced off for the fourth time in the past 12 months. The Vulcans, who entered the match ranked 2nd in the nation with a perfect record, had yet to allow a goal entering today’s pivotal PSAC contest against the Golden Rams, ranked 12th in the nation after a pair of draws against Slippery Rock and East Stroudsburg. The Vulcans had lost 1-0 during the regular season to West Chester and twice on penalty kick shootouts during the 2010 PSAC and NCAA tourneys.
Scoring chances were at a premium in the first half, as each team attempted only four shots on goal. The Vulcans broke the scoreless draw when Kayla Fransko’s free kick from 30 yards out in the 63rd minute sailed over the reach of Fedyk and into the back of the net. The junior from Levittown netted the equalizer for the Rams off a free kick in the 86th minute. Hutchinson’s free kick from about 30 yards was out of Jackson’s reach, hitting the crossbar before ricocheting its way to the back corner of the net.
West Chester appeared to dominate the first overtime. However, they were not able to finish off several chances. The Rams attempted five shots in the first overtime, none of them finding the back of the net. West Chester outshot Cal 16-13, including a 5-1 advantage in the first overtime. The Rams attempted 11 corner kicks, compared to 6 for Cal. Fedyk registered nine saves for the Golden Rams, while Jackson stopped eight shots for the Vulcans. Despite the draw, West Chester and Cal remain the top contenders in the PSAC. The Golden Rams have a key road trip taking them to Edinboro (Friday) and Clarion (Saturday). The Fighting Scots are ranked 24th in the nation and in a three-way tie for second behind Indiana (Pa.).
My West Chester, PA 