FOLEY, Ala. - Second-seeded South Alabama used a goal from Gracie Wilson in the 57th minute to ege fourth-seeded Georgia Southern, 1-0, in the 2021 Sun Belt Conference Tournament Title match on Sunday afternoon at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex in Foley, Ala.
The Jaguars move to 12-4-3 and earn the league's automatic bid into the NCAA Championships. Georgia Southern, making its first Sun Belt title match appearance and fourth overall conference title match berth, sees its season come to a close with an 11-7-4 record.
South Alabama built a 10-1 edge in shots in the first half, but both teams could only put one shot on goal.
In the second half, Georgia Southern had a golden opportunity to take the lead just 14 seconds into play, but
Vala Kristin Theodorsdottir's header hit the right post and caromed out.
The Jaguars would take the lead in the 57th minute as Sun Belt Player of the Year Gracie Wilson drove in from the right side and uncorked a shot four yards outside the box that curled inside the near post for the 1-0 lead.
The Eagles pressed for the equalizer in the final 15 minutes. A service from
Maddie Klintworth was just inches out in front of
Sade Heinrichs in an attempt to redirect it towards goal, and Theodorsdottir had a try from distance in the 83rd minute that was saved.
Four Eagles were named to the All-Tournament Team at the conclusion of the match - midfielder
Olivia Durham, goalkeeper
Michaela English, defender
Sade Heinrichs and midfielder
Marcela Montoya.
"We gave it all we had and came up a little bit short today in the final," Georgia Southern Head Women's Soccer Coach
Chris Adams said. "I believe our team should hold our heads high! This group has battled all year long and done everything that is asked of them. I am proud of their growth and maturity since I took over in December. I want to thank our seniors for all they have contributed to this program, and I want them to know that they made us proud. Hail Southern, and Go Eagles!"
South Alabama finished the match with a 17-4 edge in shots. English made fives saves for the Eagles, while Jaidy Campos made two saves for the Jaguars. South Alabama was whsitled for 12 fouls, while the Eagles committed 10 fouls, and were offsides once.
