Women's soccer on to Elite Eight
by Mattew Gunn
The Metropolitan
With the regional portion of the National Collegiate Athletic Association women's soccer tournament over, the No. 2 Metro women's soccer team have yet to allow a goal in postseason. After the Roadrunners 2-0 shutout win over the fourth-seeded West Texas A&M Lady Buffs and their 1-0 victory over the Regis Rangers, it is on to the Elite Eight for the 'Runners.
Regional action began on Friday, Nov. 12, with the opening match between the Roadrunners (22-1) and the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs (13-6-1). Freshman Back, Jamie Gwinner started the 'Runners off with a goal 15 minutes into the first half. Junior Amy Leichliter was credited with the assist.
Metro dominated the game offensively, winning 10-0 on corners and out-shooting the Lady Buffaloes by a staggering margin of 43-8. The Roadrunners had three players with more overall shots than the entire West Texas A&M. One of those three players, senior Ymara Guante, was responsible for Metro's second goal, which came in the second half when junior Marina MacDonald slipped a pass across the box to an unmarked Guante. Guante made no mistake as she calmly placed the ball past Jamie Roach in the Lady Buffs' goal.
As always, the Roadrunner defense was strong, keeping scoring chances low and stopping opportunities early. Junior goalkeeper Mandy Allen played a solid game as she recorded her first of two shutouts over the weekend.
"It's all about the defense in front of me," Allen said. "They were wonderful out there."
Sunday's game was another close affair, and an important Roadrunner win, as Metro once again beat the Regis Rangers (19-5). Sunday's game marked the teams' third meeting in four weeks and Metro's second 1-0 shutout of Regis. The familiar rivals, Regis and Metro, squared up for a fourth and final match on Sunday, Nov. 14. This year, no two teams in NCAA soccer have had to face each other as often as these cross-town adversaries.
The crowd of 368 was one of the largest and loudest to attend a game at Auraria Field this season. They were not disappointed by what they saw.
"We had a great crowd today," said Metro head coach Danny Sanchez. "Slowly but surely it's building and for these big games they show up, so it's awesome."
In the highly physical game, each team had to fight for any opportunities in the offensive zone. MacDonald scored the only goal of the game, which came just over 10 minutes into the first half and was assisted by junior midfielder Jodi McGann.
At no time did the intensity level drop for either team as was evidenced by the yellow card given to Regis' coach J.B. Belzer for calling out a referee. The Rangers grew desperate for opportunities late in the second half, but Metro's defense held firm. Each time Regis started for the offensive zone, the 'Runners slowed them down and forced the Rangers to regroup in their own end. It became apparent that Metro wouldn't give up a score as time ticked away on Regis' season.
 Bradley Wakoff / The Metropolitan
After combining for the second goal in the first round of the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional
Championship, junior midfielder Marina MacDonald hugs senior Ymara Guante.
The Rangers out-shot the 'Runners 13-12 in the match, but Allen was forced to make only three saves for the shutout.
With the Rangers out of the way, the Roadrunners look forward to hosting the NCAA Quarterfinal this weekend. Metro is looking to continue the momentum they have built by making the most of home field advantage. The team has not lost at Auraria Field since Sept. 6, 2002.
Seattle University will be in town on Sunday, Nov. 21, for the Elite Eight. In getting this far, the Redhawks upset No. 1 Pacific University 2-0 to win the West Regional. With Pacific out, the 'Runners remain the top team in the NCAA tournament.
"I haven't seen them, but if they won the West Region, then they're loaded," Sanchez said about the upcoming competition. "We're expecting a battle similar to today."
The Roadrunners look strong this year and are yet to allow a postseason goal. The regional championship has Metro facing the right direction for the final rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Thanks to the great team performance, five players were named to the All-Regional Tournament Team. Meisha Pyke, Gwinner, Guante, and Leichliter were all awarded for their great effort, and MacDonald was named Tournament Most Valuable Player.
"It feels great," MacDonald said, "Right now I'm just in shock. It's a nice feeling to be regional MVP, but in the end, it's all about the team."
This is the third straight year in which Metro has gone at least this far in the postseason. The Roadrunners control their destiny and will host the Elite Eight at 12 p.m. on Sunday Nov. 21 at Auraria Field. |
