SALEM, Va. - Nick Boardman's header off a cross from Eamon Gara Grady in the 81st minute lifted the Williams Ephs past the University of Mary Washington Eagles, 1-0, in the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament in Salem, Va. Williams improves to 10-1-11 while Mary Washington's season comes to a close with a 12-5-4 record.
Both teams had scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes but played to a scoreless tie at the half.
In the 81st minute, Gara Grady carried the ball down the left win and sent a cross into the goal area. Boardman timed his run well and powered a header past the Eagles goalkeeper to give the Ephs a 1-0 lead.
The Eagles pressed on the offensive side of the ball after the goal and drew four corner-kick opportunities. UMW also had a header cleared off the goal line by an Eph defender as the Eagles tried to find the equalizer in the closing minutes.
Mary Washington outshot Williams, 12-8, and each team had five corner kicks in the match.
UMW goalkeeper Griffin Hemmendinger was credited with one save while Ben Diffley made three stops to pick up his 13th shutout of the season.
Williams will face UChicago in the championship game at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 4 in Salem, Va. The Maroons advanced to the final with a 1-0 overtime victory over Stevens in the other semifinal.
The Ephs are making their second appearance in the championship game and first since 1995 when Williams won the title in Williamstown, Mass. at Cole Field.