Eagles Earn First Victory at Nationals
Kissimmee, FL---The Asbury College women's soccer team earned their first ever win in the NCCAA National Tournament with a 1-0 victory over Southern Wesleyan (SC). Asbury, the #6 seed, defeated the #7 seed in the bottom half of the bracket after losing to #3 seed Trinity International yesterday 6-1.
Asbury (13-9-1) got the lone goal of the match in the 47th minute Katie Crocker stole a pass that was trying to be switched. She then found Miranda Wiley on the quick counter and Wiley beat the keeper. That goal is Wiley's 17th on the year and her 49th career goal. Crocker now moves into sole possession of first place with seven assists on the season. Keeper Maegan Rogers came up with 11 saves in the shutout.
Coach Paul Nesselroade spoke to the dynamic of the eight year old program's first win at the NCCAA National Tournament.
"It's obviously a big win for our program. We've been trying to get to this point for a number of years, really since 2004, and all the hard work has finally paid off. The girls now have a taste of what it's like to win on this stage and this is something that we want to continue."
The Eagles have participated in the NCCAA National Tournament three time before, 2004-2006, but had never won until today. Asbury defeated Campbellsville 7-2 on November 18th to win the NCCAA Mid-East Region Title and the automatic berth to the national tournament. Asbury will take part in the Christian Service Project on Friday before returning to the pitch in the 5th place match Saturday at 1:30 pm against the winner of #8 Colorado Christian and #4 Mount Vernon Nazarene.
