EUGENE, Ore. –Stevie Harrison (pictured) scored on a penalty kick with 77 seconds remaining and goalkeeper Mackenzie Galick completed a shutout in her first career start as the Northwest Christian University women’s soccer team topped Eastern Oregon on Thursday night, 1-0 at Mike Kelly Field.
An extremely close match ended with an even shot count as each team took 9 attempts. Eastern had four shots-on-goal to NCU’s three and held a 3-2 edge in corner kicks, but it would be the Beacons who would prevail to record their school-record tying seventh win of the season.
With neither team able to find the net for 88 minutes, the teams looked destined to play into overtime, something that Eastern Oregon would be very familiar with. The Mounties have gathered four draws on the season, including two previous 0-0 final scores.
NCU, however, made one last drive into the box and made it count. Junior Janelle Richards had the ball just inside the 18-yard marker and was able to chip the ball up into the arm of an EOU defender. The hand-ball was called and NCU was awarded the PK with 1:17 remaining on the clock.
Harrison connected on the attempt, providing the senior with her third game-winning goal of the season. It was her fourth game-winner during an illustrious career, breaking a tie for the NCU record with teammate and fellow senior Mishayla Bertelsen.
With the only offense of the game coming late, the NCU defense did their fair share of the work as well, holding the Mountaineers to very few scoring opportunities. Galick, a true freshman, recorded three saves as she registered her first win and shutout for NCU.
Head Coach Brett Bentley said, “Our girls did a terrific job tonight to bring a lot of energy into this game. I credit their commitment to each other and to the game plan for the goal. This was a great result for our team and gives us more confidence heading into Saturday.”
The Beacons (7-10, 2-6 CCC) will close out the season on Saturday, playing host to The College of Idaho at 2 p.m. NCU will honor seniors Bertelsen, Harrison, Michelle Giron, Karlie Mast, and Linsey Johnson during a pre-game ceremony.
Eastern Oregon (3-7-4, 1-4-3) was eliminated from post-season possibilities with the loss. They will end their season on Saturday in Salem against Corban University at 1 p.m. The Warriors will be looking for a win as they attempt to clinch a top-four finish in the Cascade Collegiate Conference for the right to host a playoff game next week.