Release courtesy of the SVSU Sports Information Department
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - The No. 12 ranked
Saginaw Valley State University
men's soccer team defeated Northeastern State University 1-0 today
(Nov.
18) to advance to the NCAA DII Men's Soccer Final Four for
the first time in school history.
The Cardinals and Riverhawks entered the half tied 0-0 after the
first 45:00 minutes of play. SVSU's only scoring opportunity came
in the fourth minute when midfielder Robert
Short (Goodrich, Mich.) let loose a shot that was gathered up
by goalkeeper Eric Shephard.
The second half of play would go much like the first half, with
neither team being able to notch the go-ahead goal, forcing the
game into overtime.
The Cardinals and Riverhawks remained scoreless through the first
overtime, forcing the game into a second overtime period. Saginaw
Valley finally struck in the 109th minute when Zach Meyers (Grand
Rapids, Mich. / Forest Hills Eastern HS) pounded the ball home from
10 out after junior Zach
Walega (Saline, Mich. / Saline HS) made a hard run up the right
side, allowing him to find Myers in the box for the shot. It
was the second goal for Myers on the weekend and his 16th overall
on the season.
Senior goalkeeper Jason
Wise (Troy, Mich.) played big all afternoon for the Cardinals,
stopping all 10 Riverhawk shots he faced on the afternoon.
Saginaw Valley has now run its unbeaten streak to 13 contests and will advance to the NCAA Final Four for the first time in school history, where they will play Simon Fraser on Thursday (Nov. 29). The NCAA Championships will be played in Evans, Ga. on Nov. 29 and Dec. 1. Visit NCAA.com for more information on game times and tickets.
