AZUSA, Calif.. – To Concordia women's soccer, the Canyon City really is just one big hole. To local resident Azusa Pacific, the Canyon City is a beautiful setting to play the game of soccer.
For the second straight year, upset-minded Concordia had its heart ripped out by national power Azusa Pacific, and this latest surgery proved to be fatal. The NAIA's No. 5-ranked Azusa Pacific rallied in the final 4 minutes of regulation to tie the game and then won it on a Shannon Coe header less than 4 minutes into overtime to post a dramatic 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Concordia in a semifinal game of the NAIA regional playoffs.
Concordia came into this game playing for its life, while Azusa Pacific knew that no matter the result it would earn an at-large bid into the upcoming NAIA Championship Tournament.
After a scoreless first half in which Concordia seemingly had the advantage in play, the Eagles finally capitalized when Sabrina Stracke knocked in a loose ball from 15 yards out for her fourth goal of the season and a 1-0 Concordia lead in the 57th minute.
"Concordia's midfield was a bit quicker than us today and gave us fits," said Cougar coach Jason Surrell. "Amy Ross makes things happen for them, and we struggled with her. We didn't look sharp early on, maybe it was because of the week off. "
Behind the fine play of keeper Vanessa Vela, Concordia made that goal stand for 30 minutes, thwarting Azusa Pacific on its limited opportunities. Meanwhile, other than that lone goal, Azusa Pacific keeper Jill Colfer matched Vela's play, especially when she stopped Amber Cappello in a one-on-one situation from 12 yards out. Cappello, however, had a chance to knock the rebound into an open net but sent the attempt just wide right.
With 10 minutes left in regulation, Surrell moved All-American defender Stephanie Bays and his top midfielder Randie Massro to front, joining Coe in a 3-player attack. The move paid off in a renewed Cougar offensive attack that was highlighted when Bays looped in her ninth goal of the season from 25 yards out, placing the ball just over the stretched arms of Vela, to tie the game at 1-1 with 3:10 left in regulation.
"Bays is our best all-around player," said Surrell. "Because of our injuries we don't have the flexibility that we had early in the season, and we have to adjust as situations dictate. When we're down a goal, we have to move Stephanie up front because she is so dangerous."
In overtime, the Cougars scored on their first shot when Bays took a ball down the left sideline and then fired an arching cross just a couple of yards in front of the net. A charging Coe beat Vela to the ball and headed it in for the game winner at the 93:51 mark.
"The chemistry of this team is the best I've seen in the 8 years I've been here," said Surrell. "Their willingness to fight to the end is who they are. They always seem to find a way. It was a great day of leadership, and Bays and Coe made it happen."
Concordia out-shot Azusa Pacific 15-10, including a dominating 9-2 count in the first half. The freshman Colfer finished with 8 saves.
Last year, in a regular-season game in Azusa, the No. 2-ranked Cougars scored twice in the final 15 minutes of regulation, including the tying goal with 15 seconds left, to steal a 2-2 tie with the Eagles.
With today's victory, Azusa Pacific, which improves to 14-1-1 on the season, advances to the NAIA regional championship where it will host either GSAC champ Biola or CalPac champ Notre Dame de Namur Tuesday (Nov. 9) at Cougar Stadium.
