Spring Arbor Advances to NAIA Quarterfinals With Overtime Win Over Bethel (TN)
FOLEY, Ala. – Spring Arbor University has advanced to the NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Quarterfinals after defeating Bethel (Tenn.) 2-1 in overtime on Tuesday.
Isa Martinez delivered the game-winner in dramatic fashion, scoring on a free kick from 25 yards out just over five minutes into the first overtime period.
THE BASICS
SCORE: (2) Spring Arbor 2, Bethel (Tenn.) 1
LOCATION: Foley, Ala. | Foley Sports Tourism Championship Stadium
RECORDS: Spring Arbor 19-0-2, Bethel (Tenn.) 11-4-3
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
After a scoreless first half, the two teams combined for a pair of goals minutes apart early in the second stanza. Jocelyn Hendricks put Spring Arbor on top in the 57th minute, but Bethel found the equalizer in the 59th minute.
That was how the score remained after 90 minutes, sending the match to overtime.
Spring Arbor did not waste much time in the extra period. In the 95th minute, the Cougars drew a foul outside the box and Martinez sent the ensuing free kick into the top corner of the goal to send SAU into the tournament quarterfinals.
Spring Arbor dominated the match statistically. The Cougars had a 20-3 advantage in shots and earned 19 corner kicks while the Wildcats finished with two.
UP NEXT
Spring Arbor plays the winner of the Truett McConnell (Ga.) and Life (Ga.) matchup in the national quarterfinals on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. ET.