Courtesy Williams Sports Information

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – In a season that began with expectations of besting last year’s Final Four appearance, and winning the program’s first NCAA Championship, the Williams women’s soccer team saw their bid fall short this afternoon. The College of New Jersey’s Allyson Anderson scored at the 64:56 mark to push her squad past the previously undefeated sectional host, 1-0. The Ephs finish their impressive 2009 campaign at 19-1.

TCNJ (19-2-1) will play in the national quarterfinals tomorrow against Ithaca College in Williamstown, Mass. Ithaca advanced with a 2-1-overtime win over Rowan University.

The game was evenly matched throughout, with both the Ephs and the Lions taking 13 shots on the day. Anderson, a freshman forward for TCNJ, came off the bench to provide the only offense her team would need to deal Williams their first loss of the season. She dribbled to the outside of her defender to find space for a shot just outside the 18-yard box, and placed a long hard ball past the Ephs keeper, Lauren Sinnenberg, for the lead.

“It is always a great match up between TCNJ and Williams,” commented Williams senior tri-captain and the 2009 NESCAC Player of the Year Brianna Wolfson. “They are an NCAA powerhouse. I don’t think we were outplayed, and I don’t think we outplayed them either. We left it all out on the field. We all had our sights on a national championship, and it’ s tough to lose, but I’m confident about where these players can go next year.”

The game was physical from the get go. A total of 33 fouls called, and two yellow cards were given.

Each team had a few great scoring opportunities earlier in the game. With 33:30 left on the clock in the first period, a cross sailed over Sinnenberg’s head. It appeared to be heading into the goal, but Ephs defender Sachi Siegelman headed the ball out.

In the second half, before Anderson’s goal, Williams’ Sara Wild took a free kick following a called foul. She placed a high ball in the perfect location, but TCNJ goalie Jessica Clarke’s took a giant leap to tip the ball over the crossbar. The save was just one of Clarke’s nine saves in the game. She would make another spectacular save to avoid a game-tying goal by Sarah Walmsley with 17 minutes left in the game.

“I thought that [tying] goal was going to come,” said Wolfson. “Jessie Clark is unbelievable, and the further you get in this tournament the higher the level of play. We haven’t seen saves like that all year.

“I’m proud of what we created in my four years here. My freshman year here we finished 8-3-3, and lost in the first round of NESCACs. Now we have been national contenders for a couple years, and that is any captain’s dream.”

“This senior class is a great group,” said Pinard. “We weren’t where we wanted to be a few years back, and to see the quality of play and team improve both on and off the field has been such a treat to watch. I am sad for them that it didn’t work out today, but I couldn’t be more proud.”

The contest between Ithaca and TCNJ is set for a 1:00 p.m. start time at Cole Field on the Williams College campus.