Sepulveda's Overtime Winner Lifts Embry-Riddle to GSAC Women's Soccer Championship

PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Natalia Sepulveda scored six minutes into overtime to lift top-seeded Embry-Riddle to a dramatic 2-1 victory over second-seeded The Master's in the GSAC Women's Soccer Tournament championship on Tuesday.

The Eagles (16-0-2) survived a late equalizer from the Mustangs (14-2-3) before Sepulveda delivered the golden goal at the 96:05 mark, finishing off an assist from Josie Young to secure Embry-Riddle's second GSAC tournament title in the last three years.

Sepulveda's winner marked just the second overtime goal in a GSAC women's soccer championship match. The previous came in 2023, when Hope International's Sarah Ralston scored at 90:55 to lift the Royals to a 3-2 victory over OUAZ.

Embry-Riddle controlled the opening 45 minutes, overwhelming The Master's with a 16-1 advantage in shots. Jamie Brandon broke through in the 12th minute, converting an assist from Ella Carnahan for her 23rd goal of the season and an early 1-0 lead.

Brandon continued to threaten throughout the half, striking the crossbar in the 33rd minute and forcing Mustangs goalkeeper Katie Snow into four first-half saves. Despite the Eagles' offensive dominance, Snow kept The Master's within striking distance heading into halftime.

The Mustangs responded with a more aggressive attack in the second half, matching Embry-Riddle with eight shots over the final 45 minutes of regulation.

Breanna Fajardo tested Eagles goalkeeper Maile Kahele in the 51st minute before The Master's mounted another offensive surge midway through the period. Kahele turned away attempts from Maddy Traylor in the 75th minute and Katie Trinh in the 77th, preserving the one-goal advantage.

With time running out, the Mustangs finally found their breakthrough.

Fajardo scored off an assist from Zaria Echemendia with just 2:18 remaining in regulation, leveling the match at 1-1 in the 88th minute. The goal was Fajardo's 15th of the season and erased a deficit The Master's had faced for more than 76 minutes.

The late equalizer sent the championship into overtime, but Embry-Riddle quickly reclaimed control.

The Eagles generated all four shots in the extra period, with Brandon continuing to lead the attack. Snow made her eighth save of the evening on a Brandon attempt at 95:26, temporarily keeping the Mustangs alive.

Just 13 seconds later, Embry-Riddle earned a corner kick taken by Samantha Wright. The Eagles maintained their pressure, and Sepulveda delivered the decisive finish 26 seconds after the corner, scoring her third goal of the season to end the contest and secure the championship.

Brandon led all players with 12 shots, including seven on goal, while Young contributed six attempts and the assist on the game-winner. Sepulveda scored on her lone attempt of the evening.

Embry-Riddle finished with a commanding 28-9 advantage in shots, including a 10-4 edge in shots on goal. The Eagles also outshot The Master's 4-0 during overtime.

Snow turned in a strong performance for the Mustangs, recording eight saves against the relentless Eagles attack. Fajardo led The Master's offensively with five shots, including two on goal, while Traylor added three attempts.

Kahele earned the victory in goal for Embry-Riddle, finishing with three saves, all in the second half.

Both teams will await their postseason destinations during the NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship Selection Show on Friday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. CT. The selection show will be streamed live on YouTube.