EOU Men’s Soccer Clinches First CCC Tournament Berth with 2-1 Win over NCU 10/21/2018 6:09:09 PM LA GRANDE, Ore. – The Eastern Oregon men’s soccer team captured history on Sunday afternoon, clinching a berth in the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championships for the first time in program history, defeating Northwest Christian 2-1 at Community Stadium. The program, in its fourth season all-time, had finished in ninth place in each of the past two years, just missing a shot at the CCC postseason tournament. This year under head coach Zach Mills, however, the Mountaineers (9-3-4, 7-2-3 CCC) clinched its berth with time to spare and currently sit in fourth place in the standings. “Sealing our spot in the playoffs and ming history means so much because of this group of guys and the work they have put in during the season,” said head coach Zach Mills. “We’ve had to deal with plenty of adversity, but it was great seeing the guys deal with it and get the win today.” Celebrating their Senior Day, the Mounties left Community Stadium with smiles on their faces and their fourth-straight win. Junior Jorge Chavez put the Blue and Gold on the board in the seventh minute on a penalty kick after the Beacons were called for a handball in the box. Junior Carlos Solorio, Friday’s hero against No. 10 Corban, netted his 11th goal of the year in the 32nd minute on an assist by Chavez to give the Mounties a 2-0 cushion. Solorio ranks second in the conference in goals and third with 26 points. The Beacons (3-11-1, 2-8-1 CCC) aanswered quickly less than a minute later, drawing their own penalty kick in the 33rd minute. NCU’s Alex Abalan made good on the chance, cutting the EOU lead to 2-1. However, the second half was played much more defensively as the Mounties held on to their 2-1 lead over the final 45 minutes to earn their ninth win of the year. After the game, the Mountaineers were named the CCC’s Under Armour Team of the Week after not only defeating NCU and clinching a playoff berth, but also upsetting No. 10 Corban on Friday. EOU finished with an 18-11 shot advantage for the match with each team only putting three on goal. Senior goalkeeper Aidan Wright made two saves to earn the victory. Chavez led the team with four shots, followed by seniors Anthony Leavens and Josh Goodman with three apiece. After the game, EOU celebrated the careers of seniors Wright, Leavens, Goodman, Steven Beaudry, Marcus Manuel, Aldo Rivas, Abraham Garcia, Ethan Ronquillo and Jesus Trejo. The nine seniors were playing one of their final home matches at Community Stadium, but will have another opportunity next Sunday at 1 p.m. against Walla Walla. “I am extremely proud of these guys and we all appreciate the support we have received from the school we are proud to represent,” said Mills. For more information on Eastern Oregon men’s soccer, follow @EOUAthletics or visit eousports.com. FOLLOW EOU ATHLETICS Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Contact: Iain Dexter; 541-962-3946; idexter@eou.edu