The Warrior women's soccer team won in thrilling fashion on a golden goal on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – Emma Kosmala found the back of the net in the first overtime on Saturday night, lifting the Corban University women's soccer team to a 2-1 win over Northwest University. The win gives the Navy and Gold the weekend sweep over the two squads from Washington.
"Our performance as a team was very solid," said Corban head coach Likius Hafeni. "We played a very good team that has a great attack, but we defended very well. We started very well compared to Friday, but struggled a bit in the second half. Our goalkeeper was outstanding, and I think Emma had one of her best games of the season. We are looking forward to our next game and we will respect every opponent we play this season."
Corban has now won four matches in a row overall on the season, including these two to start Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) play. The victory also marks Corban's second overtime win in the last three games.
In what felt like a playoff-type of game early on with the energy high and the atmosphere tangible, Rylee MacDonald put Corban in front in the 15th minute when she ripped a shot from about 12 yards out past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
From that point on, however, Elizabeth Brock was asked to make several outstanding saves between the pipes for Corban, including a number of diving stops on fantastic Northwest free kicks.
The Eagles continued to knock on the door, and it eventually opened on a penalty kick goal by Sharaya Roberts in the 86th minute of play.
Momentum seemed to be in Northwest's favor, but Corban only needed one good look in the first overtime to secure the win, as Lexi McQueary played a long ball and found Kosmala, and Kosmala made no mistake, blasting her shot into to the goal to win the match for the Warriors.
Northwest (2-6, 1-1 CCC) finished with 23 shots to Corban's eight on the night. Brock ended up making 10 total saves in the victory for Corban, proving to be the difference in the triumph.
Corban (5-2, 2-0 CCC) returns to the pitch next weekend when it hosts Carroll College and the University of Providence on Friday and Saturday. Kickoff both days is slated for 1 p.m. at the CFC Soccer Complex.