Minnesota State Mavericks Narrowly Miss NCAA Soccer Championship Victory

In an intense showdown at the NCAA Division II National Championship, the Minnesota State Mavericks women’s soccer team faced a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against Cal Poly Pomona. This match, held at Sportsplex at Matthews in Matthews, N.C., marked the Mavericks’ first-ever appearance in the national championship game. Despite their valiant effort and a historic season under Head Coach Brian Bahl, the Mavericks couldn’t overcome the Broncos, who secured their first NCAA Championship in program history.

The Journey to the Championship

The Minnesota State Mavericks concluded their remarkable season with an impressive 18-2-7 overall record. Their journey to the national championship was filled with significant victories. These included triumphs over No. 1 Central Missouri in the Central Region Championship and No. 1 seed Columbus State in the NCAA Semifinals. The Mavericks’ season was highlighted by a 23-game unbeaten streak, showcasing their resilience and skill throughout the year.

Key Moments in the Championship Game

The championship game began with a flurry of activity from both teams. Cal Poly Pomona’s early offensive pressure resulted in two shots on goal within the opening minutes. However, it was the Mavericks who struck first. At the 8:38 mark, Courtney Kovacs scored her second goal of the season, giving Minnesota State a 1-0 lead. Kovacs capitalized on a corner cross from Avery Korsching, floating a right-footed kick over the traffic and into the net. Korsching earned her sixth assist of the season on the play.

Cal Poly Pomona responded quickly. At 22:20, Tara Oper leveled the score for the Broncos. Oper’s pass, intended for teammates in front of the goal, rolled into the bottom right corner, eluding both defenders and the goalkeeper. Georgia Rink was credited with the assist. The Broncos continued to press, leading 5-1 in shots on goal and 13-1 in total shots attempted by halftime.

Decisive Second Half

The second half began with a controversial moment. At 46:05, Lucy Weninger was called for a foul after making contact with Marisa Salazar at the top of the box. Salazar converted the ensuing penalty kick, pushing it past Clare Longueville’s outstretched arms to the left corner, giving Cal Poly Pomona a 2-1 lead. This goal proved to be the game-winner.

Mavericks’ Fightback

Despite the setback, the Mavericks continued to battle. Maddix Archer came agonizingly close to equalizing, hitting the bend of the goal frame just five minutes after the penalty kick. Korsching also launched a powerful shot from distance, only to see it clip the top of the bar and sail over. Cal Poly Pomona’s Salazar also found iron with a 20-yard strike in the 76th minute.

In the closing stages of the game, Kelsey Heller earned a corner for the Mavericks, but Bella Anderson of Cal Poly Pomona knocked it away at the near post. With under two minutes left in regulation, Archer mounted a final low shot on goal, but CPP goalkeeper Bella Hara made a crucial save, hugging the ball on the second bounce.

Historic Season for the Mavericks

Despite the loss, the Minnesota State Mavericks can hold their heads high after a season filled with achievements. They dominated both the regular season and postseason conference championships, displaying exceptional teamwork and determination. Their performance in the national championship game further solidified their reputation as a formidable team in NCAA Division II women’s soccer.

Cal Poly Pomona’s First NCAA Championship

For Cal Poly Pomona, the victory marked a historic milestone. The Broncos closed the year with a 22-1-2 record, capturing their first NCAA Championship in program history. Their resilience and tactical prowess throughout the season culminated in this well-deserved triumph.

Looking Ahead

As the Minnesota State Mavericks reflect on their season, they can take pride in their accomplishments and the foundation they have built for future success. The experience gained from this championship run will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the team in the coming seasons. With a strong core of players and the leadership of Head Coach Brian Bahl, the Mavericks are poised to continue their pursuit of excellence in NCAA Division II women’s soccer.

Conclusion

The 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship game was a testament to the skill, determination, and sportsmanship of both the Minnesota State Mavericks and Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. The Mavericks fell just short of their ultimate goal, but their journey to the championship and their performance in the final game will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of their program. For more details on the game and the season, visit the Minnesota State Mavericks official website.