Puget Sound advances on Robin Vieira's late goal
TACOMA, Washington – Robin Vieira headed in the game-winning goal in the 90th minute off a cross from Danielle Silver to give the Puget Sound women's soccer team a 1-0 win over Washington University in the first round of the NCAA Division-III Championships in St. Louis, Missouri, on Saturday.
The Loggers (16-4) advance to the second round of the tournament on Sunday, and will play the winner UW-Whitewater vs. Centre. Sunday's match is schedule for 11 a.m. PST.
"Danielle completed a well-lofted ball to the top of the six-yard box, just like we've been training to do, and I was there to head it into the far post," said Vieira. "Washington University is a very talented group with extremely fast play and great technical ability. We have a lot of respect for them, and we're grateful for the opportunity to play them again in the tournament."
Puget Sound, ranked No. 25 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA), upset the No. 13 Bears (13-4-2) one year after Washington University beat the Loggers in the third round of the NCAA Division-III Championships.
"Full credit to Washington University for an incredible battle," said Puget Sound head coach Randy Hanson. "I'm very proud of our team's performance, especially on the winning goal. We are grateful to be advancing."
The Bears aimed to test Puget Sound goalkeeper Lauren Thomas early and often, but many of their shots were off target from beyond the 18-yard box. Although Washington outshot the Loggers, 5-3, in the first half, Thomas needed just one save to keep the Bears off the scoreboard as the teams entered halftime in a scoreless tie.
The Loggers opened the second half on the offensive as they attempted a pair of early shots. However, Amalia Acorda-Fey's shot in the 47th minute was blocked, and Jordyn McLuen's attempt just 30 seconds later went wide.
Washington regained momentum by firing the game's next four shots through an 11-minute stretch, but only one of them was on net and Thomas was there to make the stop.
The Logger defense posted its 12th shutout of the season, and Vieira's clutch score is her fifth game-winner of the year.
