ROMA MCLAUGHLIN was the match winner on Sunday as Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) won the NEC title.
McLaughlin’s goal – her tenth of the season – came in the 18th minute as CCSU, the top-seeds, defeated Fairleigh Dickinson 1-0 at New Britain.
The Greencastle woman fired home the only goal of the game after being named as the NEC Midfielder of the Year.
It was CCSU’s tenth NEC crown and their eighth under head coach Mick D’Arcy. They now move on to the NCAA Tournament off the back of a nine-win streak.
“It’s two in a row, we’re so happy,” McLaughlin said afterwards.
“We worked hard for that at the end. At the end of the game I was ready to collapse on the floor. I couldn’t even celebrate.
It’s even better. To retain a title is harder than anything. We’ve gone and done that. We’re delighted. So happy.
“As the season went on, we started to play better and got closer. These girls are amazing.”
McLaughlin fired home after Fairleigh’s defence failed to clear. McLaughlin teed herself up before riffling over the goalkeeper.
She said: “The ball just bounced up and I hit it. It happened to place near the top corner. I’m happy with that.”
Tags:We hear from @CCSUBlueDevils‘ sophomore midfielder Roma McLaughlin, who scored the game-winner in a 1-0 win over FDU that sent the Blue Devils to the NCAA Tournament. #NECWSOC pic.twitter.com/ld6Cfw01gI— NEC Women’s Soccer (@necwsoccer) November 10, 2019
