Aug. 10, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; August 10, 2009 - Four Penn State women's soccer alumni have spots in the upcoming WPS Playoffs. Three former Nittany Lions-Ali Krieger, Joanna Lohman and Erin McLeod-will host a first round match for the Washington Freedom, while Christie Welsh of Saint Louis Athletica are also heading to the postseason.
Krieger and McLeod clinched their spot in the playoffs after a 3-1 win this weekend over Sky Blue FC of New Jersey. McLeod was the star of the game as New Jersey got of 28 shots, only one of which reached the back of the net.
McLeod made seven saves, while Krieger played the full 90 in defense. Lohman came on as a late-game substitution, earning her seventh appearance of the year. McLeod has gone 6-5-3 this season in 14 starts sporting a 1.43 goals-against average. Krieger has made nine starts in 10 appearances since joining the team mid-season from her club team in Germany.
On Saint Louis, Welsh broke out of a season-long scoreless streak on August 6 with a two-goal performance in the home finale for Athletica against Chicago. Welsh then followed that game up with a goal against FC Gold Pride of San Jose in a 1-1 draw. Welsh's goal came off an assist from goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Welsh is now second on the team in goals with three. The former Hermann Trophy winner has played in 14 games, starting nine for the second-place Saint Louis squad.
The first round of the WPS Playoffs begin Saturday at 4:00 p.m. with Washington hosting Sky Blue FC in Maryland. The winner of that match will play Wednesday, August 19 at Saint Louis with kick off slated for 7:00 p.m. Los Angeles, who clinched the regular season title, hosts the Championship on August 22.
For complete coverage of all the Nittany Lion soccer this season, go to www.GoPSUsports.com/sports/w-soccer.
Follow Penn State women's soccer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PSUWomensSoccer.
--NITTANY LIONS--