STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Wagner College women's soccer team closed out the regular season with a 3–0 victory over LIU on Sunday afternoon at Hameline Field, securing the No. 2 seed ahead of next week's NEC Tournament.
With the win, the Seahawks improved to 9–2–6 overall and 8–1–2 in NEC play, while the Sharks fell to 7–5–5 (5–3–3 NEC). The result solidified Wagner's second-place finish in the conference standings entering next week's NEC Tournament.
Eight NEC victories for Wagner sets a new program record for most conference wins in a season, surpassing the previous mark of seven set last year.
Wagner wasted no time jumping in front, striking just five minutes into the match when sophomore Deirdre Meberg converted off a pass from junior Alana Goldsmith to make it 1–0. The Seahawks doubled their advantage in the 21st minute as freshman Riley Frederick found the back of the net for her second goal in as many matches.
Senior Izzy Gomez capped the scoring in the 83rd minute, sealing the 3–0 victory and giving Wagner its third straight shutout win to close the regular season. Gomez finishes the regular season tied for fourth in the NEC with seven goals.
The Seahawks dominated from start to finish, outshooting the Sharks 19–3, including a 14–1 advantage in shots on goal, while holding a 5–1 edge in corner kicks. Sophomore goalkeeper Abigail Marcello earned the shutout, needing just one save to record her third consecutive clean sheet. Marcello concludes the regular season tied for the NEC lead with five total shutouts.
Wagner now turns its focus to the NEC Tournament, which begins Thursday, November 6. The Seahawks will enter as the No. 2 seed and will face third-seeded Howard in a rematch at Hameline Field. The defending NEC champion Bison defeated Wagner earlier this season, 2–1, on September 25.
This marks the third consecutive season and fifth time in program history that Wagner has clinched a spot in the NEC Tournament. It also marks the second straight year the Seahawks will host an NEC semifinal match on Hameline Field.
