Syracuse University
American University
Field Hockey Loses to No. 8 American, 2-1, in Overtime
10/24/2004 3:31:19 PM | Field Hockey
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Denise Infante lifted her own rebound into the Syracuse goal just 51 seconds into overtime to give No. 8-ranked American University a 2-1 come-from-behind victory against No. 20-ranked Syracuse at Coyne Field. It was American's 13th-straight win and improved the Eagles' season record to 15-2. The Orange, honoring its eight seniors on Senior Day, lost its third consecutive contest and is now 10-8 on the season.
Syracuse scored first when senior midfielder Leah McKay (St. Louis, Mo./Clayton) registered her second goal of the season by sending in a long shot from just inside the left side of the circle. No one came out to challenge McKay on the shot as the American players thought a whistle had been blown. After some discussion, the officials stuck with their original ruling and SU led 1-0 with 11:11 remaining in the first half.
SU fifth-year senior goalkeeper Betsy Wagner (Cherry Hills, Colo./Colorado Academy) had a phenomenal first half, registering 11 saves on 14 first-half shots by American. She finished the game with a career-high 15 saves.
The Orange held American scoreless until 4:29 remained in regulation. Camila Infante weaved her way into the circle and sent two shots Wagner's way. The first one was saved, but the second one found its way beneath Wagner's boot and into the back of the cage.
In overtime, American quickly gained possession and forced a corner. The Eagles worked the ball around to Denise Infante on the left side who attempted two shots on the play and scored on her second attempt with a lifted shot.
The Eagles outshot Syracuse, 23-7. They had 14 penalty corners to SU's six.
i2sports produced a live webcast of the game between Syracuse and American. An archived version can be found here 12 hours following the game at Archive of the Oct. 24th Syracuse vs. American field hockey game
The Orange host Colgate in its final regular-season home game on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. Syracuse will participate in and host the 2004 BIG EAST Conference Championship on Friday, Nov. 5 and Sunday, Nov. 7. Connecticut, Syracuse, Boston College and Villanova will be the participants. The semifinal games begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, at Coyne Field.
