HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall women's soccer team moved back into a Centennial Conference playoff position with just one week remaining in the regular season following a 2-0 victory at Haverford on Saturday. The Diplomats (6-4-3, 3-3-2 CC) were rewarded twice for creating chaos in front of the goal throughout the afternoon.
Franklin & Marshall finished with a 23-3 advantage in shots and 12-2 edge in shots on goal. Corner kick attempts favored the Diplomats 6-1 and the visitors made the most of an attempt midway through the first half. After an initial cross into the box was headed off the post by Ellison Errington, Ashley Inacio – who created the initial cross – was in perfect position to finish the carom for her third goal of the season. Her third tally also sets a new career high for the junior. Inacio's eventual game-winning goal was the first of her career.
The final 45 minutes titled the field even more in favor of the Diplomats as they did not allow a shot while registering eight of their own. The second goal once again had Errington right in the middle of the action as she saw her initial shot attempt blocked by the defense. When Haverford attempted to clear its defensive zone, the attempt went right off of a defender and into the back of the net for an own goal to put F&M up 2-0.
The insurance goal proved to be more than enough offense as Lucy Fleming turned away the only two shots on goal she faced during the opening half. Ten different Diplomats took a shot in the contest, with Emerson McDonald leading the way by recording six shot attempts. Inacio was rewarded with the goal following her persistent efforts that created a team-high five shots on goal.
Back in control of its own playoff destiny, Franklin & Marshall will host its final two games of the regular season at home. Up first is a key battle Wednesday against fifth-place Ursinus as the Bears visit Tylus Field for a 4:30 p.m. start.
