ALBANY, N.Y. - The fifth-seeded Thomas Jefferson University women's soccer team (12-5-3) played the number one seed, Saint Rose, to a 1-1 draw but had its NCAA Tournament run come to an end on penalty kicks in the second round on Sunday.
 
The Rams were making their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and advanced to the second round for the second time in program history. The Golden Knights move on to the East Region Final against sixth-seeded Mercy.
 
GAMEPLAY
While Jefferson had a narrow edge in possession during the opening half, Saint Rose forced the majority of play into the Rams' half of the field. The Golden Knights had a 4-2 edge in shots as both defenses limited opportunities. Neither side was able to generate a shot on target. The result was a scoreless tie at the intermission.
 
The Rams produced the first chance of the second period but Devin Sullivan's shot was stopped by the goalkeeper. The Golden Knights quickly turned it around and struck first at the other end, finding an open player in the box with a cross to take a 1-0 lead in the 48^th minute.
 
Jefferson continued to battle and recorded the next three shots but could not find the equalizer. With time winding down, the Rams' effort was finally rewarded. A fortunate bounce off of a failed Saint Rose clear sprung Laural Erick into open space. Erick beat the defense to the ball and chipped it over a charging keeper to even the score at one in the 86^th minute.
 
The Golden Knights recovered to outshoot Jefferson, 8-2, over the two overtime periods, including a dangerous opportunity on a loose ball in the box, but the Rams persevered to send the game to penalty kicks. However, it was not meant to be for Jefferson as the Rams could not convert on two kicks and Saint Rose scored on all four of theirs to advance to the Round of 16.
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Shots: Saint Rose, 15-9
Shots on Goal: Even, 4-4
Saves: Even, 3-3
Corner Kicks: Saint Rose, 4-3
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Laural Erick: 1 goal, 2 shots, 1 on goal
Devin Sullivan: 4 shots, 2 on goal
Liv Riddel: 2 saves
 
NOTES
- It was the Rams' first NCAA Tournament game to go into penalty kicks in which they did not advance. They had previously moved on twice.