Embry-Riddle Blanks Park Gilbert to Set Up GSAC Championship Rematch
| 1H | 2H | T | |
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| PAR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| EMB | 1 | 2 | 3 |
PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Top-seeded Embry-Riddle (15-0-2) remained unbeaten and advanced to the GSAC Women's Soccer Championship final with a 3-0 victory over fourth-seeded Park Gilbert (12-7-1) on Friday, Nov. 6, in Prescott, Ariz. Jamie Brandon, Tessa Updegraff and Molly Newlin each scored for the Eagles, who will host second-seeded The Master's in Monday's championship match.
The Eagles applied pressure from the opening minutes, but Park Gilbert goalkeeper Journey Morimoto made four saves in the first 11 minutes to keep the match scoreless. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Josie Young struck the crossbar and Brandon finished the ensuing opportunity just one second later. Brandon's 22nd goal of the season proved to be the game-winner.
Park Gilbert's only first-half shot came from Bekah Sipinga, whose attempt was saved by Embry-Riddle goalkeeper Maile Kahele in the 26th minute. At the other end, Morimoto stopped consecutive attempts from Samantha Wright and Brandon just four seconds apart in the 41st minute. Those stops brought Morimoto's first-half save total to six and kept the Buccaneers within 1-0 at halftime despite Embry-Riddle's commanding 17-1 advantage in shots and 7-0 edge in corner kicks.
Embry-Riddle wasted little time doubling its advantage after the break. Just 51 seconds into the second half, Updegraff found the back of the net for her 16th goal of the season, extending the Eagles' lead to 2-0. Updegraff finished with three shots, including two on goal, while playing all 90 minutes. Brandon continued to lead the offensive attack, finishing with a match-high seven shots, five on target, in 89 minutes.
The Buccaneers generated more opportunities in the second half, recording three shots and earning all four of their corner kicks. Sipinga, who led Park Gilbert with three shots, sent a header over the crossbar in the 73rd minute. Alexandria Bugal then forced Kahele into a save in the 75th minute, but the Eagles' defense held firm. Kahele finished with two saves to secure the shutout, while Morimoto denied Brandon in the 81st minute for the last of her nine saves.
Newlin put the finishing touches on the victory in the 89th minute, converting a pass from Wright for her second goal of the season. Newlin recorded four shots, while Wright contributed three attempts, including one on goal, and the assist. Both played the full 90 minutes.
Embry-Riddle finished with a dominant 29-4 advantage in total shots, including a 12-2 edge in shots on goal, while holding a 9-4 advantage in corner kicks. The victory preserved the Eagles' unbeaten record and ended Park Gilbert's season following the Buccaneers' run to the conference semifinals.
Second-seeded The Master's (14-1-3) defeated third-seeded Soka 4-0 in Friday's other semifinal, setting up a rematch of the 2025 GSAC Championship final, which the Mustangs won in a penalty-kick shootout.
As the tournament's top seed, Embry-Riddle will host The Master's in the 2026 GSAC Women's Soccer Championship final on Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. MST (5 p.m. PT) in Prescott, Ariz. The Eagles will look to avenge last season's championship defeat and capture the conference tournament title while maintaining their unbeaten record.
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