SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University will be returning to the final site of the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship for the 10th time in 11 seasons after defeating Saint Ambrose University (Iowa) 3-2 in the Second Round on Saturday at the Cougar Soccer Complex.
Three different Cougars scored in the game, including the Crossroads League Offensive Player of the Year Lauren Marshall, but Annika Arsenault's tally in the 70th minute proved to be the game-winner.
THE BASICS
SCORE: Spring Arbor 3, Saint Ambrose 2
LOCATION: Spring Arbor, Mich. | Cougar Soccer Complex
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 17-3-0, Saint Ambrose 15-6-2
MATCH NOTES
Spring Arbor went into the intermission up 2-0 after first half goals from Lauren Marshall and Kaylee Beekel.
An early second half goal by Saint Ambrose cut the deficit in half and put the Fighting Bees right back in the game.
Arsenault added a huge insurance goal for the Cougars in the 70th minute. A shot from Marshall was blocked by a Saint Ambrose defender, but the rebound found the foot of Arsenault, who buried the putback.
Saint Ambrose continued to battle, and the Fighting Bees got within one after scoring in the 85th minute. However, the Cougars would hold on and – for the 10th time in 11 seasons – secure their spot at the national tournament final site.
Saint Ambrose had 13 shots while Spring Arbor finished with 12, but the Cougars had the edge in corner kicks, 5-1.
Goalkeeper Reagan Kohler made three saves on the afternoon.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor is set to face No. 13 SCAD Savannah (Ga.) (16-1-2) in the Round of 16 at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex in Pensacola, Florida.
Comments