SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – In a tense postseason battle, No. 21 Spring Arbor University advanced to the Crossroads League Tournament Semifinals after playing to a 0-0 draw with No. 17 Taylor University on Wednesday night and prevailing 4-3 in penalty kicks.
With the result, the Cougars move on to face top-seeded Marian University in Indianapolis on Saturday.
THE BASICS
SCORE: (21) Spring Arbor 0, (17) Taylor 0
LOCATION: Spring Arbor, Mich. | Cougar Soccer Complex
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 9-3-6, Taylor 13-2-3
MATCH SUMMARY
- Wednesday night was a rematch of a thrilling regular season matchup that saw Spring Arbor record a late goal to win 1-0 on homecoming.
- This time, neither side could find the breakthrough during regulation or two overtime periods.
- Spring Arbor was outshot by Taylor 14-11, but SAU had nine corner kicks compared to the Trojans' five. The Cougars did generate a dangerous chance late in the first overtime period when Ayla Thompson hit the crossbar off a free kick and Alana Simmons ringed the post immediately off the rebound.
- In the shootout, Maislin Joldersma and Thompson converted SAU's first two attempts. After Taylor missed on its second kick, the teams traded makes and misses until Karly Miller buried her shot to give SAU a 3-2 edge. Taylor's fifth shooter tied it, but Claire VanZanten calmly delivered SAU's fourth make. Reagan Kohler then sealed the win after making a diving save on Taylor's final attempt, securing the 4-3 shootout victory.
- Kohler finished with five saves on the night and the team recorded its 10th shutout of the season.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor travels to Indianapolis on Saturday, Nov. 8 to face No. 2 ranked Marian University (17-0-1), which advanced past the University of Saint Francis 2-0 in its first round game.
The winner will play in the Crossroads League Tournament Championship on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
