Christopher Scores, Towson Win Championship
Nia Christopher scored a goal to help her Towson University women’s soccer win the CAA Championship and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The school’s report said, “Towson women’s soccer used a late second-half goal and big penalty kick save with time winding down to knock off No. 3 Monmouth to win the CAA Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament.
“Towson [15-2-2] won their fourth in a row and their program-best 15th win this season in the comeback win against the Hawks [11-6-2]. Phoebe Canoles provided the game-winner off a feed from Jasmine Hamid with 10 minutes to go. Riley Melendez made a big save with six seconds left on a penalty kick to give Towson their first CAA championship.
“Riley Melendez was named tournament Most Outstanding Player and earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Joining Melendez was Maja Hansson, Nia Christopher and Phoebe Canoles.
“Monmouth would strike first in the 16th minute getting a goal to take a 1-0 lead. Nia Christopher would tie it up in the 24th minute. Phoebe Canoles sent a through ball into Christopher who beat the goalkeeper to tie it 1-1.
“Canoles would strike in the 80th minute. Jasmine Hamid would get around her defender down the left side and slot a pass to Canoles who sent it home to give Towson a 2-1 lead.
“Riley Melendez would close the match with a penalty kick save with six seconds remaining to give Towson their first CAA title and send the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament.
“The Tigers will advance to the NCAA Tournament earning the CAA’s automatic berth.”
