Corban topples Concordia in CCC semifinals
PORTLAND, Ore. – With one team carrying a long winnings streak and one entering the playoffs in a mini slump, No. 4-seeded Corban University reversed the recent trends with a 2-0 win over No. 1-seeded Concordia in the semifinals of the CCC Men's Soccer Tournament held at Tuominen Yard on Tuesday.
Overcoming powerful winds and near-freezing temperatures, Corban (11-7-1) scored late in each half, stunning the No. 1-seeded Concordia (13-5-0) on their home field. Concordia entered teh match with a seven-game winning streak while Corban had dropped its previous three outings heading into the playoffs.
Corban will play at No. 2-seeded Northwest University in Kirkland, Wash., for the CCC Championship on Nov. 15. Northwest defeated Evergreen State 2-0 to advance in the tournament and remain in contention for the league's automatic berth into the NAIA National Championships.
The Warrior defense limited Concordia's attack to just seven shots—just four of which were on target—to hand Concordia just its third shutout of the season. Corban defeated the Cavaliers by a 1-0 margin in Portland on Oct. 1 as the Cavs finished with a 7-4 record at home against a 6-1 mark on enemy territory.
The teams played evenly though most of the first period as players adjusted to the wintery conditions on the field. The high winds regularly sailed long passes to unintended destinations and made shots veer wildly.
Nathaniel Cheney who finally broke through for the Warriors in the 43rd minute. Cheney gathered a ball sent from the middle by Bobby Hutchin and fired to the far post from 14 yards out, giving Corban a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Both sides continued to push forward offensively with little success in the second half, and neither could capitalize on the few quality opportunities available. Concordia pushed the ball dangerously into the box multiple times but came away empty-handed, while Corban got perhaps the best look of the match on a deflection, only to see the rebound shot glance off the crossbar.
With time ticking down, Concordia attacked with even more urgency, but every time the Warriors met the challenge. In the 90th minute, as the Cavaliers frantically sought an equalizing score, Corban struck again. Derik Chaney took advantage of a poorly cleared ball to speed past a defender on the right, then beat goalkeeper
Mitch McCaw (Calgary, Alberta/Central Memorial H.S.) to the near side from 14 yards out to end the Cavs' season.
Corban had the edge in shots (12-7) and shots on goal (5-4), though Concordia had more corner kicks (5-2). Warriors' keeper Steven Mason was credited with four saves. McCaw also had three, but allowed the two goals.