Box Score LAKELAND, Fla. – In the program's first NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship appearance, the No. 10 Southeastern University women's soccer team powered its way to a 3-0 victory over the Georgia Gwinnett College Grizzlies. The twelfth-seeded Fire set a new program record for single season wins (18) and advance to the Round of 16 for the first time in school history.
The Fire dialed in their signature build up play to start the match, resulting in numerous scoring chances. SEU outshot GGC 4-1 in the first 15 minutes of play.
A foul in the 17
th minute set up a free kick for sophomore forward Uchenna Kanu from 20 yards out. Kanu rocketed the ball directly towards the frame, which rattled off the Georgia Gwinnett keeper into the back of the net. The goal was Kanu's 10
th off a set piece this season.
The Fire held a 1-0 advantage over the Grizzlies at the half, outshooting GGC 8-1 in the first 45 minutes of play.
Graduate forward Estefania Fuentes, who spent time at center back in the first half, transitioned to up top in the second half. Fuentes' versatility proved to be crucial for the Fire down the stretch. Junior midfielder Isamar Duran beautifully crossed a ball from 35 yards out into the box in the 71
st minute, which Fuentes headed in over the GGC keeper to put SEU up 2-0.
"Finishing with the header is one of my greatest strengths and Isamar knows it. She played a beautiful ball, I just put my head on it, and I'm thankful to God that it was a goal," commented Fuentes.
Senior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Romero made all three of her saves in the second half to keep the Grizzlies off the board.
A breakaway goal with four seconds remaining by Kanu placed the exclamation mark on the Southeastern win. The Abia, Nigeria native pushed her season goal total to 44.
"Georgia Gwinnett is a quality side. They were able to put us under a lot of pressure early on. In the second half we were able to break some of that pressure and force them to adjust the way they play, which opened things up for us," shared Head Coach
Randy Belli.
The Fire will face fourth-seeded Vanguard in the second round of tournament play at Orange Beach, Ala. Vanguard defeated Northwest (Wash.) 4-0 earlier today in the Opening Round. Game time is set for Monday November 27 at 1:30 p.m.
