Field Set for Women's Soccer Semifinals
With the final four set, the Cascade Collegiate Conference is one step closer to declaring a women’s soccer conference tournament champion, presented by U.S. Bank.
Top seed and regular-season champion Northwest will face off against fifth-seeded Warner Pacific, while second-seed Concordia takes on third-seed Corban in Saturday’s semifinals.
Warner Pacific advanced with a 2-0 victory at College of Idaho. Junior forward Crystal Foster scored the game-winning goal in the fourth minute, her ninth on the year. Senior keeper Allie Holterman led the defense with five saves for the Knights, who recorded their seventh shutout of the season.
Northwest finished atop the CCC by scoring the second most goals (28), allowing the third-fewest goals (17), and recording the second-most shutouts (nine).
The Eagles are led by senior forward Acacia Johnson, who finished the season as the CCC’s leader in goals scored with 17. The only game Northwest didn’t win was a scoreless tie in the regular-season finale against Concordia, which was all the Eagles needed to clinch an outright title.
Teams will play for a spot in the finals on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the NU Athletic Field in Kirkland, Wash.
After no goals in regulation or two overtime periods, Corban advanced past Southern Oregon by winning 6-5 in penalty kicks. Senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Mendenhall gave Corban the advantage with a save in the seventh round of PKs before sophomore defender Olivia Erskine nailed the shot to put her team into the semifinals.
Despite finishing second in the league standings, Concordia ended the regular season leading in most statistical categories including first in goals scored (33), fewest goals allowed (8), most assists (28), and most shutouts with 10. Senior forwards Erin Huisingh and Alicia Kolter led the Cavaliers scoring seven goals each while junior keeper Nicole Franklin finished the season with 30 saves.
Concordia’s only loss of the season came on the road against College of Idaho losing 1-0, ending a 28-game win streak.
The Warriors take on the Cavaliers on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Hilken Community Stadium in Portland, Ore.
Winners will play the CCC title on Saturday, Nov. 15.