SILOAM SPRINGS -- Four goals in the second half wiped out a dreadful start and junior Paige Kula delivered a goal and two assists as the No. 11 John Brown University women's soccer team posted a 5-1 victory over third-seeded Science & Arts (Okla.) to capture the 2020 Sooner Athletic Conference women's soccer championship on Thursday (April 9) night at Alumni Field.
Freshman Ryan Winingham's header in the 59th minute not only held as the game-winner, but jump-started a three-goal barrage in a 9:49 span that transitioned a first-half nail-biter into a second-half runaway contest as the hosts secured the program's third-ever tournament crown (2013, 16, 20).
The win punches the Golden Eagles' (12-0-0) dancing card for the seventh time in program history – giving John Brown a guaranteed slot in the 40-team field at the 2020 NAIA National Championships. On Wednesday (April 7), JBU was selected as one of 10 Opening Round hosts as four teams will vie for one of 10 spots at the final site of the tournament – located in Foley, Ala. and scheduled to begin on April 27.
Kula again proved deadly on set pieces, picking up another pair of assists to continue leading the nation in assists per game (1.00). Her service to Winingham at the back post notched the game-winner, and later on in the 71st minute, a corner volley found sophomore Paige Martin's shoulder, which was expertly directed toward goal to clinch Martin's second career goal.
Senior Sienna Nealon was taken down in the box as John Brown continued to mount the pressure in the second half, forcing the official to award a penalty kick. Kula confidently buried the kick for her fourth of the season, and less than four minutes later, John Brown finished off the furious goal rally.
Off a failed defensive clear, JBU turned for the counter-attack, and sophomore Emma Schoenberg's gorgeous assist to the far left post to freshman Gifte Pavatt in perfect position for a one-touch redirect for Pavatt's first career goal in 68th minute.
The match started out in shocking fashion when the hosts faced its first bit of adversity on the season. A failed corner was recollected on the right wing by USAO's Sydney Arneson, who sent a second attempt to the back post and this time found Alicia Rey all alone for her 14th of the season just 3:55 into the contest.
John Brown responded well, however, out-shooting the Drover (13-5-0) by a 12-3 margin in the first half and needing just 14 minutes to tie the match.
Schoenberg took a forearm from Arneson seven yards outside the top of the box, giving John Brown a perfect opportunity to bury a direct kick. Senior Vanessa Reynoso did just that – placing a clutch shot under the bar in the middle of the goal from 25 yards to level the contest at one apiece. It was her fifth goal of the season.
After allowing the first shot on frame to sneak past, senior Caitlyn Logan made three saves on the evening, moving to 12-0-0 on the season. The goal allowed broke a streak of 952:10, dating back to Feb 23.
The Drovers' Keane Harrison turned in a valiant effort, making nine saves on 14 opportunities. The five goals allowed were the most USAO had conceded in a single match this season.
John Brown outshot the Drovers, 25-6, including 14-4 in shots on goal. The Golden Eagles also held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. Kula led all players with six shot attempts.
Next, the Golden Eagles will learn their NAIA National Championships fate during the #NAIAWSoccer Selection Show, scheduled for Monday, April 12, at 11 a.m. The championship field will be unveiled along with the Opening Round matchups. The show will air live on Facebook live.
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