Sophomore defender Faith Klapinski most likely will have more moments of glory before her soccer career is over, but for now, she is in her moment of glory.
On Sunday against favored and No. 8 seeded Maryland, the Patriots needed a lift from somebody in order to advance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1994, and they got it from Klapinski. Tied 1-1 in the 81st minute, the Trenton, NJ native booted in the game winner to give George Mason a 2-1 victory and its third "Sweet 16" appearance in five seasons under head coach Jac Cicala.
The goal came off only her sixth collegiate career shot and was, fittingly, her first goal -- and first points at all for that matter -- as a Patriot.
"It is just an incredible feeling--an adrenaline rush, pride," said the shy Klapinski from the NCAA media tent at cold Ludwig Field in College Park, MD. "I'm just happy I could help the team."
She did so by being at the right place at the right time then executing to perfection. As a fresh-legged substitute positioned just five yards in front of the goal mouth, Klapinski watched while teammate Julie Ames sent a cross from the right side which was tight to the endline. Instead of going over the top of the net however, the ball stayed fair and actually hit the cross bar and was deflected back into the field of play. Klapinski immediately jumped all over the carom and planted it into the back of the goal igniting a Patriot celebration. A tough Klapinski-led defense then staved off several Terrapin attacks to preserve the victory.
With the win, George Mason moved to 14-5-4 but more importantly earned a trip to Boston for this Sunday's season rematch with Harvard. The Patriots tied the Crimson 1-1 in the opening round of the George Mason/Umbro Classic in early October, leading in that match 1-0 until the 89th minute.
"We have a good time getting ready to play teams we've either tied or lost to," said Ames after her Patriots turned the tide on Maryland, 3-0 winners during the regular season.