MINOT, N.D. - The Concordia-St. Paul women's soccer team (12-3-4, 9-3-3 NSIC) advanced to the NSIC Soccer Tournament Semifinals after edging out the Beavers of Minot State (9-5-5, 9-2-4 NSIC) 3-0 in penalty kicks after 120 scoreless minutes at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium on chilly Monday night in the quarterfinals.
*Stats are through regulation play only
Goalkeeper Sydney Potter was the shining star for the Golden Bears in a 0-0 shutout, two overtime periods and a perfect save record in penalty kicks.
Head coach, Steve Bellis on the win, "After a close fought game the Golden Bears showed a ton of character and grit to get the well deserved penalty-kick victory. This team still has the quality and determination to make a strong post-season run."
In the first half, it was the Beavers who notched the first shot before the Navy and Gold recorded five back-to-back shots to make their offensive pressure known.
CSP went on to tally five more shots to hold the first half shot advantage 10-3 heading into the break.
Opening the second half, both sides exchanged shot attempts to set the offensive tempo with both teams racing to find the net. Each side earned corner kick opportunities, but were unable to convert the chances. Three final shots for the Golden Bears would be unsuccessful and the game would head to overtime.
In the first overtime period, each team would have their chance of possession where neither was able to find pressure or the back of the net. After a 10-minute period the game was still scoreless and headed to the second overtime period.
The second overtime period was much like the first with the Beavers and Golden Bears trading possession, but neither team was able to get the Golden goal and penalty kicks would be needed to send a team advancing in the tournament for the second consecutive season.
Both teams lined up in the far right end zone where the penalty kicks would commence. Up first for the Navy and Gold was Clare Snapko who launched the ball straight to the back of the net to give Concordia the early advantage.
The Beavers would miss their first penalty kick opportunity and hand the reins back to CSP with the chance to build a lead. Jada Cannady lined up next where she would find the net to get the Golden Bears lead up to 2-0.
With their backs against the wall, Minot needed to find the net but a leaping grab by Potter would not allow it.
A missed kick by Concordia would give the Beavers another chance to get on the board, but another missed shot by the Red and Black would leave them begging for another opportunity. Sophia Haase stepped in the bright light without missing a beat and rifled off a shot through the net to send the Golden Bears to the next round of the NSIC Tournament.
Sydney Potter earned her 14th start of the season in net where she made two saves in regulation to bring her season total to 42 while marking her seventh shutout of the season.
Haase and McKayla Stockness led the team in regulation shots with seven combined to contribute to the Navy and Gold's 15-6 shot advantage over the Beavers.
With their draw today, CSP is now 7-14-2 all-time in the NSIC Tournament after playing to a draw in two straight seasons with Minot State. They earn their second consecutive trip to the semifinals and third in program-history.
The Golden Bears will return to action for the NSIC Soccer Tournament Semifinals on Friday where they will face the No. 2 Mavericks of Minnesota State in Mankato, Minn. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. at The Pitch.
