NEWTON, Mass. – The Norwich University women's soccer team made history Tuesday afternoon, earning a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over second-seeded Lasell University in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Semifinals at Taylor Field. The victory marked Norwich's first win over the Lasers since 2012 and secured the program's first appearance in the GNAC Championship game since 2008. Sophomore forward, Maddy Perry (Fair Haven, Vt.), would net the overtime winning after rising up for an incredible header in the 18 yard box that sent the Cadets bench into a frenzy of celebration knowing they continue dancing to this Saturday's GNAC Championship.
Trailing by one at halftime, the Cadets battled back in the second half before delivering the decisive blow just over two minutes into overtime. The victory continued a remarkable postseason run for Norwich (12-5-2, 7-5-2 GNAC), which has embraced the road warriors role throughout the conference tournament and now stands one win away from a GNAC title.
Lasell struck first in the ninth minute to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. The Lasers carried that lead into halftime after putting nine shots on goal in the opening period, but Norwich remained within reach thanks to a key save from freshman goalkeeper Sophie Olivo (Sanford, Maine) and a determined defensive effort from the back four.
The Cadets found their equalizer in the 53rd minute, when junior midfielder Lily Briggs (Fair Haven, Vt.) delivered a spectacular strike from 35 yards out to bring the match level at 1-1. Graduate student defender Melanie Winters (Montpelier, Vt.) set up the goal with the assist after beating two Laser midfielders on the dribble, as Briggs sent the ball past the reach of the Lasell goalkeeper to give Norwich new life.
Lasell continued to apply pressure throughout the remainder of regulation, finishing with a 25-9 advantage in total shots and an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. Olivo was instrumental in keeping the Cadets even, turning aside seven attempts, including six saves in the second half as the Lasers searched for a go-ahead goal. Her performance gave Norwich the opportunity to push the match into overtime.
The Cadets needed little time to capitalize on that opportunity. Just 2:03 into the extra period, Perry rose to the occasion, heading home the game-winning goal off a perfectly placed cross from junior forward Colby Magoon (Loudon, N.H.). The golden goal sparked a celebration as Norwich completed the comeback and secured its place in the GNAC Championship.
For Perry, the overtime winner carried an especially meaningful personal significance after returning to the field from injury at a critical point in the season.
"It honestly feels awesome," Perry said. "When I was injured I wanted to be there everyday and support my team from afar so being back on the field and being able to contribute in such an important time like that means so much. My grandfather passed away a year ago yesterday so I feel like I can't take all the credit and he was definitely there with me today."
Perry also reflected on the significance of the team's postseason accomplishments and the opportunity to make a championship run for Norwich's senior class.
"We haven't beaten both of those teams in so long so to be able to do that for the seniors and make it to the finals for them. I feel like we definitely proved to ourselves what we are capable of especially since being seeded so low in the preseason poll and in the tournament," Perry added.
Head coach Jared Cipriano emphasized the importance of the victory and the resilience his team has displayed throughout its postseason run.
"This win was massive for so many reasons," Cipriano said. "It tested us to battle back after an early goal and showed once again why we are the toughest and most resilient team in the GNAC. We have fully earned this opportunity and are hitting our stride at the right time late in the season."
Cipriano also highlighted the team's willingness to embrace the challenge of playing on the road and entering the postseason as an underdog.
"We are fully embracing being the underdogs and road warriors," Cipriano said. "A huge moment for our program on Saturday and we'll be ready to once again rise to the challenge."
The victory represents another significant milestone in the transformation of the Norwich women's soccer program under Cipriano, who is in his fourth season leading the Cadets. After reaching the GNAC Semifinals for the first time in 16 years, Norwich has now taken another step forward, returning to the conference championship stage for the first time in 18 years.
The Cadets have built their postseason success on a combination of defensive resilience, timely scoring and contributions from throughout the lineup. Olivo's seven-save performance against Lasell, Briggs' equalizing strike and Perry's overtime heroics provided the latest example of a team continuing to rise to the occasion when the stakes are at their highest.
Norwich will now turn its attention to the GNAC Championship, where the Cadets will have an opportunity to compete for the program's first conference title appearance in nearly two decades. After ending a 14-year drought against Lasell and earning a place in the championship for the first time since 2008, the Cadets are one win away from adding another historic chapter to their season.
Norwich will advance to the GNAC Championship game and their opponent, date and time will be announced following the conclusion of the remaining semifinal matchup.
