SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Behind a two-goal performance from Aubrey Winter, the No. 19 John Brown University women's soccer team powered to a 3-0 victory over Oklahoma City in the Sooner Athletic tournament semifinals on Friday night (Nov. 8) despite the torrential downpour at Alumni Field.
Winter also added and assist to her brace, while sophomore Julia Lambert contributed the insurance goal and a helper as JBU advances to its fifth-consecutive SAC tournament championship match.
The Golden Eagles (13-5-1) struck first in the 30th minute when Winter connected on a precise header off a cross from Julia Lambert, putting JBU up 1-0 with Winter's 11th goal of the season. Lambert took advantage of an OCU defensive miscue, turned, and whipped a cross to the back post, where Winter headed in the eventual game-winner.
In the second half, Lambert doubled the lead in the 58th minute with a clinical finish set up by Winter, bringing her own season goal total to 14. Winter slipped a pass from the goal line back in front of the goal where Lambert slotted the shot past Gemma Harvey unmarked.
Finally, Winter capped the scoring in the 61st minute, finishing a counter-attack flurry that resulted in a shot from freshman Katherine Keys that Harvey couldn't corral, allowing Winter to tap in the rebound for her second goal of the night and 12th of the season.
John Brown's commanding play was evident in both offensive and defensive phases throughout the match. Defensively, the team remained organized, effectively neutralizing the Stars' attempts to counterattack. Freshman Marely Fonseca (9-2-0) stood out with five saves for her eighth clean sheet, anchoring a defensive unit that recorded its 10th shutout of the season.
The Golden Eagles controlled the match statistically, producing 22 shots with 11 on target while holding Oklahoma City to just seven shots. John Brown also maintained a strong advantage on set pieces, earning seven corner kicks compared to Oklahoma City's four.
John Brown now advances to the finals, and will host the tournament's two seed, Science & Arts (Okla.) on Monday night (Nov. 11) at 7 p.m. Winners of the last four crowns, the Golden Eagles will aim for tournament title number seven overall, all under head coach Dr. Kathleen Paulsen. The title match will be carried live on the SAC Sports Network.
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