Recap by student-staff writer Colin Struckman 

MATTHEWS, N.C. (12/13/24) - The Franklin Pierce women's soccer team saw their remarkable postseason run come to an end on Friday evening, as they fell 4-0 to Cal Poly Pomona in the NCAA Division II National Semifinal. Despite the loss, Franklin Pierce's season will be remembered as one filled with resilience, growth, and numerous achievements both on and off the field.

Score: Cal Poly Pomona 4, Franklin Pierce 0 

Records: Franklin Pierce (19-4-2, 7-2-1 NE-10), Cal Poly Pomona (21-1-2, 8-1-2 CCAA) 

Location: Matthews, North Carolina

Date: Friday, December 13, 2024 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• The Broncos struck first 22:07 into the contest. Graduate midfielder Gianna Derose (Brewster, N.Y.) went in for a slide tackle in the box and committed the penalty, setting up a penalty kick. Angelina Rivas made no mistake and slotted it home in the left corner despite senior goalkeeper Emilie Fox (Bridgewater, Mass.) guessing the right direction. The Broncos carried the 1-0 lead into the halftime break. 

• The Broncos tacked onto their lead in the second half. Angelina Rivas added her second goal of the contest 54:17 into the game. She dribbled the ball on the left wing and ripped a shot that rose above the diving reach of Emilie Fox into the cage.  

• The Ravens couldn't contain the Broncos for the remainder of the second half, as they capitalized again 25 minutes later. Tara Oper dished a pass to Vanessa Cruz who fired a shot from just outside the box and tucked it into the left corner of the goal, giving the Broncos the commanding 3-0 lead. 

• The Broncos capped off their dominant performance in the 82nd minute. From the left side, Georgia Rink sent a cross into the box for Tara Oper who tapped it in the left corner of the goal. The Broncos advanced to the national championship with the 4-0 win over the Ravens. 

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS: 

• The Broncos outshot the Ravens 16-6. 

• Emilie Fox suffered the loss in net for the Ravens, recording 5 saves.  

• Each team took 4 corner kicks.  

• The Ravens committed 8 fouls compared to 2 from the Broncos. 

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The 2024 season was one for the history books for Franklin Pierce women's soccer. The Ravens finished with an impressive 19-4-2 record, capturing the hearts of their supporters with thrilling victories and unwavering determination. Their journey to the NCAA Final Four highlighted the team's growth and cohesion, as they overcame challenges and showcased their talent on a national stage. While the semifinal result didn't go their way, the Ravens have much to celebrate, from their strong NE10 campaign to their unforgettable postseason run. This year's team set a standard for excellence and left a legacy that will inspire future generations of Ravens.