Box Score ORANGE BEACH, Ala.— The No. 6 Southeastern University women's soccer team defeated the No. 3 University of Northwestern Ohio Racers 2-1 in overtime to advance to the NAIA National Semifinals. This is the first time a program is going to its second NAIA Semifinal in Southeastern history. Senior forward
Uchenna Kanu was the difference in this one as she scored the two Fire goals.
"Our girls were gutsy and resilient," remarked SEU head coach
Randy Belli. "I am super proud of our girls for not keeping their heads down, not giving up, and powering through to get that victory."
The Fire created plenty of opportunities to get on the board in the first half but could not capitalize. The Fire outshot the Racers 11-1 in the first 45 minutes, including six shots on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Lisa Venrath kept the Fire attacks at bay in the half, recording six saves. Graduate forward
Yulie Lopez kept the pressure on for the Fire, firing two shots on goal.
The Fire defense remained strong through the first 20 minutes of the second half, rarely giving UNOH a clean look at the goal. Southeastern was able to break through with a goal with 18:42 remaining when Kanu received a long pass from senior midfielder
Bania Duran, dribbled past the keeper, and fired a shot in the back of the net. The score by Kanu marked her 363
rd career point, making her the NAIA all-time career leader in points.
Freshman goalkeeper
Holly Eddins was key in the closing minutes of the second half as she totaled six saves to keep the Racers scoreless.
"The clutch saves that I made were not for me but for my teammates," stated Eddins. "Especially for my seniors because I knew that if one of those went past me it was go home."
The score would remain 1-0 until the final minute of play when the Racers found the back of the net on a Jeweleen Reuille goal with 22 seconds remaining in regulation.
Southeastern only needed six minutes in overtime to seal the victory as Kanu slipped her second goal past the keeper off another assist from
Bania Duran.
"I never played up top until this year," commented Duran. "I feel like I found my position. Reading my teammates is easy. Uche, Aisha, Yulie and I just have that connection."
Kanu never gave the Racers a break as she kept the pressure on, always looking for a way to score. She ended the night 6-8 of her shots going on goal. Collectively, the Fire outshot UNOH 23-13 on the night.
Southeastern is set to play in the National Semifinal on Friday December 6
th at 7:00 p.m. eastern against No. 2 Keiser.
"Every game gives us a platform to give glory to God," remarked Coach Belli. "Another victory means another opportunity to spread the name of Jesus Christ and we are looking forward to doing that in the National Semifinal."
