Spartanburg, SC - Cape Fear women's soccer defeated Spartanburg Methodist 1-0 to win the NJCAA Region 10 Tournament for the second season in a row.
The Sea Devils and Pioneers entered the game as the top two teams in NJCAA Region 10. Cape Fear won both regular season matchups 4-2 and 1-0, respectively.
With the region championship on the line, both teams were dialed in.
"Spartanburg is a tough opponent with very good players," said head coach Ryan Deppa. "They are well coached, and they worked very hard to keep us under pressure. Both teams played a physical match up and left it all on the field."
The game got physical at times, with five yellow cards handed out between the teams (three for Spartanburg, and two for Cape Fear).
Both squads had plenty of scoring chances as well. Cape Fear had 17 shot attempts and 12 on target for the game. The Pioneers were aggressive as well, and forced goalkeeper C.J. Garvey to make nine saves.
With the game deadlocked deep into the second half, it looked as if extra time would be needed. However, Cape Fear finally broke through in the 80th minute, as Alaina Capps hit a low shot to the far post that found the net. She was assisted by Janessa Annis.
Coach Deppa had nothing but praised for Annis, the sophomore midfielder.
"[She] played a key role in our midfield. She continues to be a first class player, and today was just another moment where she battled for her team."
Deppa also praised his defense for remaining focused and keeping the clean sheet.
"Our back line of Sierra Raynor, Anderson O'Neal, Melani Anderson, Nina Perry, Madison Bolen, and C.J. Garvey were under solid pressure at times today and came up big for us."
But most of all, Deppa is proud for how hard his team has worked, and the support they give one another. That, he believes, has been key to remaining undefeated throughout the season.
"We are proud of the team's effort to work hard for each other and support each other as they continue their journey," said Deppa. "They continue to create 'forever' and they continue to do it together. 17-0 is pretty special at the college level. To still be playing in November says a great deal about their passion to be the very best they can be."
With the win, Cape Fear improves to 17-0 overall, and 14-0 in conference. Next up is the NJCAA District Championship. See the details below.
CFCC vs. Harford CC on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.
Harford Stadium – Bel Air, Md. (401 Thomas Run Road)
Winner advances to NJCAA nationals in Melbourne, Fla. Nov. 13-18
Live Stream – www.harfordathletics.com/watch
Live Stats - http://sidearmstats.com/
Courtesy of Nick Denning
