DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque women's soccer team hosted Central College in the A-R-C Tournament semifinals on Wednesday evening. In a rematch of the regular-season game, which featured seven goals, the defense stole the spotlight in a 1-0 win for UD. A game-winner from Bree Swenson placed the Spartans in the A-R-C Championship for the second consecutive season.
An early corner kick in the 3rd minute set the pace for UD, with a powerful header from Sarah Thompson saved. The Spartans controlled the ball, registering 10 shots in the first half while limiting the Dutch to only one shot attempt. In the 33rd minute, Maelyn Kluever nearly scored on a rebound that deflected to her, but it was saved. To keep the score at 0-0 heading into halftime, Samantha Jurgens made a big stop with a diving effort on a long-range shot.
In the second half, Kaelyn Nash opened up the attempts for UD with her shot saved in the 49th minute. At 54:28, the Spartans found the breakthrough when Olivia Roth carried the ball down the right wing and cut in for a cross to the edge of the box. Bree Swenson received the ball, shifted to her left foot, and took a well-placed shot into the left-hand side of the goal to make it 1-0. The game ended 1-0 with Swenson's second game-winner of the season. The win avenged the Spartans' sole conference loss this season and, with help from Simpson shortly after the game, earned them a home Championship match.
Bree Swenson and Olvia Roth led the Spartans, connecting for a goal and the assist. Swenson also led UD with four shots. Samantha Jurgens made five saves to preserve the shutout behind the help of her impenetrable backline of Chloe Westerfeld, Claire Husnick, Sarah Thompson and Chloe Breitbach.
Up Next
The Spartans will host the A-R-C Championship match on Saturday, November 7, after Simpson College beat top-seeded Loras College in a penalty shootout. The game will be played at Oyen Field, with a game time to be announced.
