For the first time in four years, there will be a new America East women’s soccer champion. Samantha Zaslaw scored the game winning goal in the 54th minute on Sunday evening, as Bryant defeated Maine 2-0 in a semifinal played at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, Rhode Island. The loss ends the run of three straight titles for the Black Bears.
The game winner by Zaslaw came unassisted, while Grayson Edwards added some insurance with a second goal in the 80th minute that was assisted by Caitlin Forshay to move the Bulldogs into the championship game for the first time since they joined America East in 2022. Just like their regular season loss to Bryant, the visiting Black Bears had the edge in shots 18-8 (5-4 on goal), and a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks but once again were kept off the scoreboard by Shannon Mejia. Isabella Meadows had the most attempted shots for Maine with four, and Elena Barenberg made two saves as they finish up with a final record of 8-6-4. #2 Bryant (7-6-4) will travel to top seed Binghamton (9-3-5) this coming Saturday at 1 in the title game. The Bearcats are appearing in the final for the first time since 2022, and trying to win their first since 2004.
Photo from UMaine Athletics
