BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Thursday marked the first trip to the NCAA DII West Regional Final in program history for the Concordia University Irvine women's soccer team.
Facing the host Western Washington Vikings in a rematch of a 1-1 draw earlier this season, CUI held the opposition to only one goal in 90 minutes for the second time this season.
Unfortunately, this time the Golden Eagles could not connect for an equalizer and the Vikings held on to advance 1-0.
Freshman goalkeeper
Riley Urquiza made four saves in the first half to keep CUI in the contest. After an early goal found the back of the net, the Vikings threatened on more than one occasion and had a second goal waived off due to an offsides call.
A couple of corner kicks awarded to WWU in the first half also were unable to find the back of the net thanks to Concordia's defensive presence.
The tides seem to turn in the second half as the Golden Eagles possessed the ball more and were able to build up the attack more consistently. Junior
Gabby Breton worked her way up field for one shot after putting the Vikings defense on its heels. Later down the stretch, freshman
Madison Hall let a shot fly from near the edge of the box but it sailed just wide of the goal.
One of Concordia's best scoring chances came on a cross midway through the second half that found
Jadenn Carrillo. The recently named D2CCA First Team All-Region senior was able to get her head on the ball but her shot narrowly missed finding the top corner of the net.
WWU survived those chances and was able to do enough defensively to limit CUI's opportunities over the last ten minutes of action.
CLICK HERE for postgame interviews with CUI forward Riley Walkington, head coach Chris Gould and senior Analisa Gjonovich.
Concordia concludes its historic season with a 14-5-2 overall record. The Golden Eagles captured their first two playoff victories in their first trip to the NCAA DII Regional by beating Cal State LA and Hawaii Hilo last week.
CLICK HERE for a look back at the full CUI women's soccer schedule
