Eastern Washington Repeats as #BigSkySoccer Champions
Cheney, Wash. – Eastern Washington attacked early and the goals came in the second half as the Eagles defeated Northern Colorado 3-0. It’s the second Big Sky Soccer title for Eastern Washington with the other championship coming last season.
EWU came out firing in the first half outshooting UNC 8-1 including 6-0 in shots on goal. In addition, Eastern Washington had seven corner kicks compared to Northern Colorado’s zero. Even though the halftime score was 0-0, thanks in large part to UNC goalkeeper Madeline Burdick’s six saves, EWU was not rattled playing just as aggressive in the second half.
The first two goals of the match came off of penalty kicks. Savannah Hoekstra put the Eagles in front in the 62
nd minute to start the scoring. Chloe Williams put her penalty kick in the back of the net in the 75
th minute for her 43
rd career goal to extend her Big Sky career goals record. Just three minutes later, Alexis Stephenson tacked on another goal for EWU off of a deflected shot for her fifth goal on the year. All three goal scorers made the All-Tournament Team for EWU with Chloe Williams receiving the Most Valuable Player award. Jenny Chavez also made the team after scoring the first goal in Wednesday’s semifinal match versus Portland State.
With the loss, Northern Colorado finishes with a 13-7-2 record, the second-best mark in the Big Sky. The Bears won two matches to get to the championship defeating Sacramento State in the quarterfinals before taking down No. 2 Montana in the semifinals. UNC had four players make the All-Tournament Team in Madeline Burdick, Mariel Gutierrez, Jackie Pulley and Olivia Seddon.
Eastern Washington is now 16-5-1 on the year and will look to continue their success in the NCAA College Cup. The Eagles will find out their opponent on Monday, Nov. 6 at 4:30pm ET.
BOX SCORE
All-Tournament Team
MVP: Chloe Williams, Eastern Washington
Alexis Stephenson, Eastern Washington
Jenny Chavez, Eastern Washington
Savannah Hoekstra, Eastern Washington
Madeline Burdick, Northern Colorado
Mariel Gutierrez, Northern Colorado
Jacqui Pulley, Northern Colorado
Olivia Seddon, Northern Colorado
Alexa Coyle, Montana
Janessa Fowler, Montana
Katie Forsee, Portland State
Abbie Faingold, Portland State