AZUSA, Calif. – A goal in the early moments of the first half was enough as Azusa Pacific knocked off Sonoma State 1-0 in the second round of the NCAA West Regional championship.
With the win the No. 23 Cougars will play No. 2 Western Washington on Thursday, Nov. 19 for the regional championship in Bellingham, Wash.
Post Game Jason Surrell Interview
Post Game Mayra Almazan Interview
Playing in the post season for the 25th time in school history, the Cougar showed savvy in their NCAA debut. In just their second season of full eligibility with the association, Azusa Pacific grabbed the lead early and never relented. Mayra Almazan, the PacWest Player of the Year, put a beautiful left footed corner kick into the box. Victoria Kovatch did just enough to control the ball on the far post as she used the midsection of her body to place the ball into the cage in the eighth minute.
The lone goal stood-up. Through the first 45 minutes as Azusa Pacific held an 8-3 edge in overall shots (4-1 for shots on goal).
Less than 10 minutes into the second frame the Cougars nearly had a two-goal lead. Almazan took a nice dribble through the middle of the field and fired a shot from 25 yards out that kissed the cross bar and out of the Cougars offensive end.
Sonoma State ended the game with five shots on goal but couldn't find the back of the net.
Zoey Bauman made two saves in front of the cage for her seventh win of the season.
Azusa Pacific Head Coach Jason Surrell
General Comments -- "After watching them on Thursday we knew we were going up against a good team. We knew we had to do some things tactically. The first goal helps you starting to believe you can win. The first goal was huge for us to start to believe. The pressure that we put on them today was as good as we did all season. We knew we needed a 100 percent effort from every player. That's what you need to advance in this tournament. Our girls did a great job of chasing down lose ball and never quitting on any opportunity."
Being the First PacWest team to win an NCAA postseason soccer game -- "Anytime you are the first to do anything it is a cool accomplishment. These girls have worked so hard and to have a team with 16 wins and just a few loses, both of which were in overtime, it has been a phenomenal season. To be the first to do it is great but around here we aren't satisfied we just one win. We want to advance and win championships."
Azusa Pacific Senior Mayra Almazan
"Getting a goal early is always great. Then keeping that lead is kind of scary but we were able to hold them off."
"We have already done something that no Azusa Pacific or PacWest has done before and we are going to do whatever is possible to keep it moving forward.
Sonoma State Head Coach Emira Salzmann Dunn
General Comments -- "I think we came out tentative and I think that gave Azusa Pacific some chances and they took advantage of it. You get so few chances and the team that comes out on top usually takes advantage of their opportunities. All credit goes to Azusa Pacific. I think they came out with a game plan and they executed really well and we had a hard time adapting to it. They took the energy in the first 20 minutes and it was the difference."
Reflecting on the team/season -- "This team has been a blessing. At the end of the day only one team is going through the post season undefeated. I think the sorrow that I have is not having to get to coach them longer. It is that human element. We fight for each other every day. They were united, committed and gracious in victory and defeat. It's a wonderful group of players."
