Foley, AL – Cumberlands all-time leading goal scorer
Jayden Boelter struck twice in the first half, while
Georgia Martell made three saves as the third-ranked Patriots defeated Hope International 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Tournament Thursday night. With the win, UC advances to the Fab Four for the second consecutive season and improves to 16-1-3 overall on the year.
Boelter's brace was her fifth multi-goal game of the season and give her 20 goals on the year, which is third most for a season in program history.
Lucia Gomez also notched a pair of shots of frame in the match. Martell anchored the Patriots backline of
Amy Anderson,
Rita Aguye Cots, and
Camryn Broz to limit the Royals to just three shots on frame. It was the Patriots third straight clean sheet and ninth shutout of the year.
The two teams traded possession over the first few minutes of the match. Cumberlands struck in the 8' as Boelter cut the ball towards the middle of the field with one dribble, before firing a high-arching shot the went just under the crossbar to give the Patriots a 1-0 advantage. UC add a pair of shots over the next eight minutes, however couldn't convert keeping the 1-0 lead.
Midway through the first half, UC extended their lead as
Rita Aguye Cots sent a long pass forward, Boelter took one touch before sending a laser into the back of the net making it 2-0. It was Aguye Cots second assists on the season. Hope International looked for a quick response however Martell turned them away twice in a four-minute span to preserve the shutout. Gomez added two shots on frame and the Royal had two late cornerkicks but neither could convert as Cumberlands took a 2-0 advantage into the break.
Boelter looked to extend UC's lead early in the second half, but the shot was saved by the Royals' keeper. The Patriots continued to control the possession over the next ten minutes. In the 64' Martell was call upon for her third save as Hope International was looking to cut into the Patriots lead. The Royals controlled the possession and had a shot deflect off the post in the 68', however, UC still lead 2-0. Hope International added five shots over the final 20 minutes however, none of them converted as UC earned the 2-0 final.
The Patriots advance to national semifinals where they will face second-seed Spring Arbor on Saturday, December 2 at 5 p.m. (ET).
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