ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Behind a pair of goals from sophomore Kaley Buck, No. 3 Spring Arbor University will have a chance to capture its second title in three years after defeating No. 2 ranked University of Northwestern Ohio 2-0 in the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Semifinals on Friday.
The Cougars will square off against Benedictine College (Kan.) in the tournament finals on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: #3 Spring Arbor 2, #2 Northwestern Ohio 0
LOCATION: Orange Beach SportsPlex | Orange Beach, Ala.
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 23-1-1, Northwestern Ohio 20-3-1
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Northwestern Ohio controlled the pace for the first 10 minutes of the match, but only managed to get one shot attempt which goalkeeper Ashley Timmons turned away.
- In the 18th minute, on its second corner kick opportunity of the game, Spring Arbor scored what would prove to be the game-winner. Malorie Henderlong served a ball into the box that found the feet of Buck. Buck's shot looked to have been headed away by a UNOH defender at the goal line, but it was ruled that the ball had gone in to put SAU on top early.
- The Racers had an opportunity to level the match in the 70th minute on a corner kick of their own, but Timmons was there with a crucial save.
- Buck notched her second goal of the night in the 82nd minute to help clinch the win and send the Cougars to their third straight finals appearance.
- Northwestern Ohio outshot Spring Arbor 11-5.
- Timmons made five saves in the shutout victory.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
- Spring Arbor booked its third straight appearance in the tournament finals.
- Friday's match not only featured the two previous national champions, but was also a rematch of the 2016 title game.
- The Cougars improved to 3-1-0 all-time against UNOH.
- With her two goals, Buck has tallied three goals in her last two games. She has seven on the season.
- The shutout was the 18th for SAU this season – tied for the most in the NAIA.
- The team's 23rd win of the season matches the most in a single-season in program history.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor will face off against Benedictine (Kan.) (19-2-3) in the championship match on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. ET.
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