Judson wins NCCAA soccer national final opener

Huntley graduate Kristina Barreto scored the only goal the Judson University women's soccer team would need in the 63rd minute Wednesday as the Eagles won their first-round match in the NCCAA National Tournament over Grace College 1-0.

Barreto found the ball off a corner kick from fellow Huntley grad Kaylee O'Brien f the score.

"It was a good feeling scoring the goal," said Barreto. "I felt great about the ball from Kaylee. I am not satisfied with just one win as this is just one step in our journey toward a national championship."

The win is the first for Judson (13-6-3) in the first round of the NCCAA National Tournament and only its third overall. The Eagles' last win in the NCCAA National Tournament came in 1997. Judson fell in first-round matches in 1997, 1999, and 2006. The 13 wins for Judson are the second best in the history of the program. If Judson can win out, it will tie the record for most wins in a season at 15, set in 2006.

"We have been working hard all year to get to a national championship and now we are one step closer," said Eagles' coach Diego Cevallos. "Our girls worked hard today to advance and they are very excited for the win. This tournament is a quality tournament as there are NCAA Division II and nationally ranked NAIA programs playing. It is a great mixture of competition and it is Christian-based. That is why we love it."

Judson controlled the match as it took 14 shots with 8 on goal to Grace's 5 shots. Judson took 9 shots in the first half and limited Grace to just 3. Both teams had 5 corner kicks and Judson had 11 fouls to Grace's 9

Mackenzie Fowler recorded her 10th shutout of the year with 4 saves. Kamila Marchi and Tatum Teevans each had 2 shots on goal for Judson.

Judson will now face The Master's College at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday for the right to play for the NCCAA National Championship.