Women's Soccer Defeats Florida 3-2 in Overtime

Women's Soccer Defeats Florida 3-2 in Overtime

Dec. 7, 2001

Postgame Audio:
Santa Clara | Florida

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DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- Sophomore midfielder Veronica Zepeda scored a goal in overtime Friday to lead Santa Clara past Florida 3-2 and into the NCAA Women's College Cup.

In the second game semifinal match of the night, the Broncos (22-2) won for the first time in eight national semifinal games.

In the fourth minute of overtime, Santa Clara's Jessica Ballweg made a move 25 yards out and took a quick shot. The bounced to Zepeda, who was standing at the top of the circle. She fired a high shot that hit the top of the crossbar, just inside the goal line.

Zepeda scored in the first half on the first of two assists by Aly Wagner. Wagner, who led the nation in assists, sent a ball over the Florida defense from 20 yards out.

Florida goalkeeper Jordan Kellgren came 10 yards out of the box to pick up the ball. Zepeda beat Kellgren to it and sent a shot by her that trickled across the goal line.

Florida (21-4-1) scored two goals in the last 6:22 to tie the game. Crystal Frimpong scored in the 84th minute. Freshman Katie Johnson scored the first goal of her career off a free kick in the 87th minute.

It was the first time the two teams have played since the Gators knocked Santa Clara out 2-1 in the semifinals of the 1998 College Cup on their way to the national title.

In the first semifinal match of the night Anne Remy had a goal and an assist to lead North Carolina to a 2-1 win over.

In the 15th minute of the game, North Carolina's Jena Kluegel took a pass just over the midfield stripe and kicked it deep into the left corner. Anne Morrell outran two Portland defenders to the ball. She centered to Alyssa Ramsey, who, with her back to the goal, passed to Remy 9 yards out.

Remy found the top left corner of the net for a 1-0 lead. It was Remy's second goal of the tournament and her 11th of the season.

UNC stretched the lead to 2-0 in the 59th minute.

Sara Randolph won a battle in the right corner of the field. She found Remy just in front of the Portland goal. Remy hit Elizabeth Ball running behind the play. Ball made one move and slid the ball past Pilots keeper Cristin Shea. It was Ball's 10th goal of the year and first of her career in the postseason.

Lisa Casagrande of Portland (20-4) scored unassisted in the 70th minute.

The Tar Heels also knocked Portland out of the 1998 College Cup semifinals, 1-0 in overtime.