SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The 9th ranked Spring Arbor University women's soccer team clinched the 2014 Crossroads League championship outright with a dramatic 2-1 win over the University of Saint Francis on Saturday night.
After surrendering the game-tying goal in the 67th minute, freshman Jacquelyn Martin found the back of the net with just 32 seconds left on the clock to secure the fourth straight regular season championship for the Cougars.
It was a quiet start to the regular season finale as both teams were feeling each other out. However, a chance Saint Francis (10-7-1, 4-5 Crossroads League) created in the 21st minute nearly put the visiting Cougars on top early. After a defender played a long ball over the top of the SAU backline, USF's Heather Jones got past goalkeeper Sarah Yancer, but a tremendous play by Megan Sullivan kept Jones from taking a shot at the open goal.
Spring Arbor settled in, though, and in the 38th minute broke the deadlock with a goal from sophomore Corrie Good. Freshman Renee Broekhuizen carried the ball into the attacking third and found Good at the top of the 18. Good spun past her defender and ripped a shot to the far post, and the Cougars would take that 1-0 lead into halftime.
The second half was all Spring Arbor, outshooting Saint Francis 8-1 through the first 15 minutes, but the outstanding work of USF netminder Morgan Hammon kept the visitors in the game.
The inability to put Saint Francis away nearly came back to haunt SAU after Jones tallied the equalizer in the 67th minute off a free kick.
The Cougars intensified their attack, searching for the go-ahead goal, but USF's Hammon would continue to make big saves time and time again.
With the clock winding down and less than a minute to play in regulation, SAU drew a foul just outside the 18 and would capitalize on the late chance. Senior Becca Lynn passed the ball to freshman Aubrey Schierbeek, who found Martin right in front of the net, and the freshman buried the game-winner.
The Cougars held a commanding 23-6 advantage in shots while also recording seven corners to USF's one.
Spring Arbor (15-1-1, 9-0 Crossroads League) will host Indiana Wesleyan University (4-12-1, 3-5-1 Crossroads League) in the Crossroads League Tournament Quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 1.
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