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Midfielder Lacey Musante - MenloOaksSports.com
Women's Soccer - Tue, Nov 10, 2009
ATHERTON, Calif. - A first-half penalty kick by Lacey Musante was all Menlo College needed to knock off Simpson 1-0 in a California Pacific Conference contest on Tuesday at Wunderlich Field in the Oaks season finale.

 

Musante stepped up to the penalty spot in the 34th minute and calmly slotted home the lone goal of the match into the lower right corner of the goal. Senior Megan Wells earned the opportunity when she was sent to the ground trying to win the ball inside the penalty area.

 

The breakthrough was well deserved and more than enough for Menlo's defense to turn into a victory. Senior goalkeeper Paige Cruz made six saves in the opening half before giving way to Natalie Schader, who had five stops in the second half. The back line of senior Maryn Craig, junior Serina Stephens, and freshmen Megan McKee and Amber Jaimes controlled the Red Hawks attack, which includes the Cal Pac's leading scorer Courtney Opie, who entered and ended the match with 12 goals on the season.

 

Menlo controlled much of the first half before Musante's opener, but couldn't put the match out of reach in the second half. Wells had three shots on goal that were turned away and Kellie Detweiler supplied punch to the Oaks attack. Menlo had 16 shots to Simpson's 17, but six fewer shots on goal.

 

The Oaks finish the season 5-4-1 in the Cal Pac, which is good for third place, and 7-10-1 overall. Simpson is 4-5 in conference and 7-9 overall.