Women’s Soccer Advances to MASCAC Semifinals After Winning Thrilling Shootout

SALEM, MA – The fifth-seeded Framingham State women's soccer team faced off against fourth-seeded Salem State in a tightly contested MASCAC quarterfinal match at Alumni Field on Wednesday afternoon. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after double overtime, but the Rams emerged victorious in the penalty shootout, securing their place in the semifinals. 

THE BASICS: 

• Score: Framingham State 1, Salem State 1 (Framingham State wins shootout 3-2) 

• Records: Framingham State (6-8-5, 3-3-2 MASCAC), Salem State (8-7-3, 4-4 MASCAC) 

• Location: Alumni Field, Salem, MA  

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• Salem State took an early lead in the first half with a goal from Lindsay McGotty, assisted by Jenna Mitza, at the 9:44 mark. 

• Framingham State equalized in the second half when Sophia Thimm scored an unassisted goal at 70:34. 

• Both teams had opportunities in overtime, but neither could find the back of the net, leading to a penalty shootout. 

• In the shootout, Framingham State converted three of their five attempts, with Cathryn Cooney, Leiyani Buckner, and Lily Gouveia finding the net. Salem State managed to score twice, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Rams. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

• Salem State outshot Framingham State 19-18, with 9 shots on goal compared to Framingham State's 7. 

• Goalkeeper Amelia Finley played a crucial role, making 6 saves in 65 minutes, while Savannah Goba added 2 saves in 45 minutes. 

• The Rams committed 14 fouls and received four yellow cards, while Salem State had 8 fouls and three yellow cards. 

UP NEXT: 

• The Rams will advance to the MASCAC semifinals, where they will face either top-seeded Worcester State or second-seeded Westfield State on Friday, depending on the result of the other quarterfinal round matchup.