W-Soccer: Season ends in Region IV tournament overtime heartbreaker
The Golden Eagles women's soccer season ended on Saturday at home vs. Harper College in Region IV tournament play. RVC lost a heartbreaker 2-1 in overtime on a Harper goal with 11 seconds remaining on the scoreboard.
RVC had 18 total shots compared to just 7 for Harper. Harper had the advantage in corner kicks, 6-3 as well as in goal-keeper saves 25-13.
The first goal of the game came at the 44:08 mark by Harper. However, just under six minutes later Sadey Jumapao scored an assisted goal from Aryanna Gelafio to knot the game 1-1. In overtime, both defenses stood strong until Harper was able to break free for a goal with 11 seconds left on the clock to secure the victory.
"It was a battle between two talented teams in very windy conditions," Head Coach Carrie Barker stated. "We created several opportunities, however, the ball didn't bounce our way. It's unfortunate to see our season end, however one match doesn't define this team. I'm very proud of these young women."
Carrie Barker started the women's soccer program from scratch in 2014 after it had been defunct for nearly a decade. Barker led the program to a Region IV championship in her first season and a 4th place finish in the NJCAA DIII National Tournament. With a target placed firmly on their backs all season, the Barker-led program thrived in the N4C conference season going 7-3 in league while finishing 7-5 overall on the year. The Golden Eagles, who boast one of the largest rosters in the country for women's soccer, say goodbye to 11 sophomores while returning 13 freshman for next season.
