The Misericordia women's soccer team clinched a Freedom Conference playoff spot today with a 2-1 home victory over DeSales, with goals coming from juniors Kim Suchoski and Kristen Gedon.

The Cougars are now 4-2 in conference play, and the possibility of a second place position and a home playoff game is still in play as MU concludes its regular season schedule next Saturday at King's.

The Cougars controlled possession in the first half, out-shooting the Bulldogs 10-1. After a good start, Ashley McDonnell had the first solid chance when she headed just wide off a corner kick in the 8th minute.

After a great flick from Sam Helmstetter, Lauren Payne's shot was smothered from close range by the DeSales keeper. Later in the half, Suchoski got free at the end-line and crossed to Laura Roney, but her shot from six yards out was saved.

MU goalkeeper Morgan Myers stopped DeSales' only shot of the first half when it deflected to the near post.

Misericordia finally scored six minutes before halftime after Suchoski finished a corner kick, with assists from Helmstetter and Payne.

DeSales came out stronger in the second half, and shot just high from close range two minutes in. Not long after, Myers was forced into a diving save to her near post and then punched the ensuing corner away.

In the 59th minute, the reigning Freedom Conference Defensive Player of the Week contributed on the offensive end, as Gedon blasted a shot in from 15 yards out.

Up 2-0, the Cougars seemed to be in control, but DeSales was awarded a penalty kick three minutes later, setting up a tense final half hour for Misericordia.

MU defended well however, with Jenn Brucker blocking one of the few good chances after the Bulldogs had pulled within one. At the other hand, Helmstetter nearly put the game away but her shot hit the crossbar in the 70th minute.

The Cougars are now 7-10 overall and travel to Widener on Wednesday.

Kim Suchoski Opens the Scoring (39th Minute):

Kristen Gedon Blasts Home the Cougars' Second Goal (59th Minute):