WSU Advances in NCAA Tournament With Shootout Win

WINONA, MN – Winona State advanced to the third round of the NCAA Soccer Tournament with a 4-2 shootout win over Regis. Tied at one, the two teams went through two overtimes scoreless to force the shootout. Jordyn Strege and Megan Rowland hit their penalty kicks, as did Regis’ Erin Kettmann and Kari Taylor to keep the shootout tied at two. Rachel Newman stepped up and sunk her kick to give the Warriors a 3-2 advantage.

An Alison Cahill miss for Regis and a make by Rebecca McCoy put Winona State up 4-2. When WSU goalkeeper Anna Belpedio knocked away a shot by Meghan Stuart the Warriors had punched their ticket to the next round.

The victory was WSU’s first NCAA Regional Tournament win. The Warriors had also advanced to the postseason in 2001, 2007 and 2008 but fell in their opening game each time. Winona State is now 18-3-1 on their season.

The Warriors found themselves trailing 1-0 at the half as Stuart scored in the 25th minute. That lead didn’t last for long once the second period began, with Rachel Neumann sending a one-timer toward the goal that bounced over the goalkeeper’s head and into the back of the net. Neither team was able to break the tie in regulation or through two overtime periods.

WSU will face the winner of the Fort Lewis on Friday, Nov. 19. Game time and location are yet to be announced. No. 3 Fort Lewis advanced to the Central Region final after edging Metro State 4-2 on penalty kicks following a scoreless tie through two overtimes in Durango, Colo.