Kissimmee, FL – Top-seeded Bethel University dominated from start to finish at the 2025 NCCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Championship, winning all four matches capped off by a 3-0 title game victory over Southwestern Christian University. The Pilots win their second national championship in program history, both coming in the last three years.
#1 Bethel University 3, #2 Southwestern Christian University 0
- Bethel would waste no time getting on the attack as their first shot from Leila Mojtahedi would hit the cross bar in the fourth minute.
- In the sixth minute, the Pilots would earn a free kick from 30-yards out. Karly Harfouche would perfectly place the ball on the head of Leena Thomas to find the back of the net. Thomas would score her fifth goal of the tournament and first of the championship match with the header.
- After the early shock, Southwestern Christian was able to lock-in defensively and slow down the Pilot offenses for the next 20 minutes.
- In the 27th minute Bethel would capitalize on yet another set piece. Hannah Thomas hit a low line drive corner kick that Aubrey Vervynckt was able to get on the end of with her first touch to score and quickly double the lead 2-0.
- Bethel would hold Southwestern Christian to just three shots in the first half and garnish a 2-0 lead at the break.
- In the second half, Bethel would once again get an early set piece. The Eagles were able to make the adjustment and defend it well however, to keep the Pilots from adding a third.
- Southwestern Christian would hold more possession in the second half, but it would lead to Bethel counter attacks. Grace Beck would record the best chance of the first 15 minutes in the second half on a breakaway that would be saved by Eagles keeper Lorelai Puglisi to keep the score at 2-0.
- Bethel was able to maintain their advantage for the final half hour, as Lisa Droz-Vincent would add a third goal off yet another corner and the Pilots would preserve the shutout. Bethel would win their second NCCAA Division I Women’s Soccer National Championship since 2023 with the 3-0 victory over Southwestern Christian.
Leena Thomas from Bethel University was named both the Tournament Most Outstanding Player and the SELECT Golden Ball Award winner with five goals. A full list of NCCAA All-Tournament Team members and other award winners can be found here.
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