Friday’s loss marked the third time this season that the Lady Mustangs fell in overtime to a Top 10 NAIA team.
For the Lady Mustangs, the loss brings their 2013 record to 15-5, and puts an indefinite halt to their season until next Sunday (Nov. 17). On that day, the squad will find out if they have been selected as one of seven at-large bids for the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Opening Round. This selection will be based off the final Modified Ratings Percentage Index (MRPI), which will be released on the 17th.
“We possessed the ball really well the first 15 minutes, but then they broke us down and we went into the half, 2-0,” commented head coach Curtis Lewis. “Our girls really rose to the occasion and I’m so very proud of them.”
Scoring began in the first half when Concordia’s Miranda Canales scored at the 28:07 mark in unassisted fashion. One minute and 30 seconds later, Springer capitalized off an Alexis Garcia-Irons assist, giving the Eagles an intimidating 2-0 lead.
That lead held steady into the break where the Eagles outshot TMC 9-4.
Despite trailing 2-0, the Lady Mustangs hadn’t given up hope.
About 20 minutes into the second half, Stephanie Albright (San Gabriel, CA) worked with a Devon Goff (Canyon Country, CA) assist, giving TMC their first tally of the day. Fifteen minutes later, All-GSAC selection Katie Farris (Santa Clarita, CA) scored off a Tara Struiksma (Ontario, CA) assist and tied the match at 2-2.
Neither squad was able to unlock that tie in the ensuing 11 minutes, forcing the match into an extra frame.
Bringing things full-circle, Daniels found Springer off a rebound, scored on TMC’s Ilyssa Espiritu (Bakersfield, CA), and sent the Eagles soaring to the GSAC Tournament Championship game next Friday against Westmont in Irvine. Unfortunately, in the process, Concordia’s Carly Mottram broke her leg 9 seconds into overtime, temporarily putting the match on pause.
“Our prayers go out to Carly,” commented Lewis on the season-ending injury.
Attesting to an equal match, each team tallied 18 shots. Staying true to form, Espiritu had another strong showing by grabbing 5 saves. Farris led the Lady Mustangs with 3 shots, 3 shots on goal, and 1 goal, while Natasha Coyle (La Habra, CA) followed with 3 shots and 2 shots on goal. Gabrielle Arnone (Castaic, CA), Kelsey Kukaua (Valencia, CA), Jordan Benson (Corona, CA), Albright, and Goff all contributed 2 shots.
So, the Lady Mustangs will now will wait and prepare for a possible match in the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Opening Round.
GASC Women's Soccer Semifinal: TMC Falls in Overtime
