MEDFORD, Ore. – Eastern Oregon men's soccer made history on Thursday afternoon at Wheeler Field, capturing the program's first-ever Cascade Conference Championship tournament title with a 2-0 victory over top-seeded Carroll College. The fourth-seeded Mountaineers became the lowest-seeded team in a decade to win the tournament.
The team has defied expectations all season long, entering the season with a No. 9 preseason ranking that motivated the Mounties throughout the year.
"The boys set a team goal of winning a conference title this year," said Head Coach Jessy Watson. "Either outright or in the tournament. They stayed committed and disciplined to the mission."
Eastern Oregon broke the deadlock early in the second half when Angel Sandoval netted the opening goal in the 47th minute. Marcos Bravo set up the score with a through-pass, allowing Sandoval to fire a 10-yard shot past Carroll's goalkeeper Juan Muniz Navarette and into the left corner.
The Mountaineers doubled their lead in the 78th minute when Abner Hernandez capitalized on a header from Tawanda Rice. Hernandez's 10-yard centered strike rebounded off Muniz Navarette's hands before finding the net, securing the 2-0 result.
Carroll (14-3-3), the regular-season conference champion, came into the match on an eight-game winning streak but could not overcome a determined Eastern Oregon defense anchored by second-team all-conference defender Rene Prieto and goalkeeper Anthony Lemus. Lemus registered eight saves in the shutout, seven of which came in the second half to preserve the Mounties' lead.
Carroll led the match in total shots (20-15) and shots on goal (9-3), but Eastern's defense held firm under pressure.
"The coaching staff is extremely proud of this group of young men," added Watson. "They trusted the process, allowed the staff to push them, and held each other accountable to the job. Each of these young men embodies what it means to be a champion."
Eastern Oregon's tournament win guarantees them a spot in the upcoming NAIA Men's Soccer National Tournament, where they will carry the momentum of their 11-3-4 season—the best record in program history dating back to 2015.
First and second rounds will span from Nov. 21-23 across various campus sites.
The Mountaineers will now await this Saturday's NAIA Men's Soccer Selection Show for their seeding and matchup to be revealed. Mountie Nation is encouraged to join the team in the Quinn Coliseum lobby to watch the show at 12:00 p.m. PT.