Eagles Fall, Finish As NCCAA National Runner Ups

Kissimmee, FL - A fantastic run came to a close on Friday night as the Eagles' Women's Soccer Team was looking to capture their first ever NCCAA National Championship. Their opponent was conference foe Trinity Christian, who just 16 days ago battled the Eagles on a frigid afternoon in the NCCAA Regional Championship. 

That contest was 0-0 after two halves and two overtimes before the Eagles came away with the penalty kick victory. On this night, it was chilly and breezy, but it was the Trolls night winning the match 3-0, dashing the Eagles hopes. 

In the first half, the Eagles looked just out of sync. The Trolls were able to dictate flow, and scored the opening goal on a back-to-back-to-back rebound play. 

Down at the half, JU came out running hard and created a couple of nice looks, including a wayward header by Daisy Garcia off of a pretty corner kick from Maria Artaloitia. 

Judson outshot Trinity 13-7 in the second half, but again it was Trinity able to get Judson off of track and out of sync. In the second half, TCC added two more goals on plays that perhaps were due to tired legs, and seeing the Trolls just slipping past the last line of defense. 

The 3-0 lead that Trinity built up was to much for the Eagles to overcome, and ending the ride to a trophy one victory short. 

Payton Siragusa led JU in shots on goal with four. Playing an active game on both sides of the ball, was

Eva Fernandez was credited with six goals, but allowed three goals where Trinity simply had an advantage in the numbers game to capitalize on. 

Fernandez, Kelly Leon, and Yeyahs Macias were all named to the NCCAA Tournament Team from their runner up spot.

Overall, Judson finishes the season officially 6-6-10. Interestingly, they went 1-1-1 against Trinity this season highlighted by an epic NCCAA Regional, but with the Trolls coming away with the hardware.