Eagles Advance To NCCAA National Championship

Kissimmee, FL - The Eagles came into their second pool play match with the advantage of needing either a win or a tie to advance to the NCCAA National Championship. JU took on Bethel in a rematch of a game earlier this season. Back on September 7th, at Bethel, the Pilots took home a 1-0 victory. 

On this afternoon in the sunshine state, it was an evenly matched game throughout. Looking to be the aggressor much like their first pool play match, Judson had an 8-4 shot advantage in the first half. It was a half that would go to the break scoreless, as has been the theme for all of the contests in this year's NCCAA National Championships. 

Using that advantage of not needing the outright win, JU played a more slower pace in the second half. However, in the 70th minute, it was Bethel netting the first goal to go up 1-0. 

Just seven minutes later, the Eagles tied things up at 1 a piece with a goal from Maria Artaloitia. On the play, she was assisted by co-captain Kelly Leon. It was Artaloitia's 4th goal on the season for Judson. Artaloitia had three of the Eagles' six shots on goal in the match. 

After her two goal game on Wednesday, Yeyahs Macias was held to just one shot attempt in this game. 

In goal, Eva Fernandez was solid again recording four saves. 

The Eagles are also at full strength from the standpoint of not receiving any cards in this match. 

By winning the pool, the Eagles advance to the NCCAA National Championship game on Friday at 5pm cst. In additon, Judson was able to take out last year's NCCAA National Champions in the Pilots, and are now one match away from winning their very first women's NCCAA title. 

Their opponent will be the familiar foe of Trinity Christian. This will be the two CCAC rivals third match on the season. 

Judson, now 6-5-10 officially on the year, tied the Trolls 1-1 on October 9th. Then on November 20th, the Eagles won the epic contest 4-3 on penalty kicks in the NCCAA Regional Championship. Both of those meetings were at Dawson Field on home soil. 

This third and final match of the 2024 season figures to be another close, drama filled battle with the winner being crowned NCCAA National Champions. 

Overall, in these two games in Kissimmee, the Eagles have dictated the action for the majority of both games. They have shown the ability to strike quick and score goals. They will need one more of those efforts on Friday. 

At the start of each season, one of the goals is always to have the opportunity to play on the final day. On Friday, the Eagles have that opportunity.