Second-Half Surge Propels Seahawks into Championship Match

PENSACOLA, Fla. – One spot remained in the 2025 NAIA Women’s Soccer National Championship Match as the Seahawks of Keiser (Fla.) and the Eagles of Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) stepped on the pitch to see who would play on Monday, Dec. 8 at Noon CT for the Red Banner.

The Eagles threatened to score right away against the Seahawks with a corner kick and a shot on frame by Jamie Black, but Keiser goalkeeper Mio Tanaka was there for the save. Seconds later, after the distribution from Tanaka, the Seahawks took the lead. The KU lead was short-lived as Jamie Brandon sent a cross into the box, connecting with Jamie Black, bringing the semifinal game back even at 1-1 after just 15 minutes of action. This marked the first match since the Round of 16 game between Missouri Valley and Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) in which multiple goals were scored, as all games in the quarterfinals and the first semifinal match were decided by just one goal.

The first half continued to be a battle as both teams took their chances deep in the offensive thirds of the pitch, as the defensive formations continued to hold shape and clear crosses from any further danger.

The momentum began to slide in the Seahawks’ direction towards the end of the first half as Keiser began to possess the ball more in their offensive third of the field. ERAU had limited chances in the final four minutes of the opening 45, their best of which was a shot from Brandon in the corner to knot the game 1-1.

Molly Newlin flipped everything on its head in the 43rd minute with a shot from 30 yards out and dropping it in behind the Keiser goalkeeper to the back post for the 2-1 advantage heading into the break.

At the break, both the Seahawks and Eagles were even in shots a four each, but the shots on goal favored ERAU 4-2. Corners learned in Keiser’s direction, having three compared to Embry-Riddle’s one.

Tessa Updegraff spoiled Keiser’s chance early in the second half, clearing a through ball wide, as the 2-1 lead holds through 55 minutes played. The Seahawks had a great shot on goal in the 66^th minute from Steingerthur Snorradottir, but it was once again punched away by the Eagles’ goalkeeper, Aubrianne Dupre. The Seahawks send back-to-back rockets past ERAU just minutes apart to quickly take a 3-2 lead. The tying goal came off the boot of Lauren Riley in the 69^th minute, followed by Maria Vilhena again in the 70^th minute for the 3-2 advantage. Riley sent one past the Eagles’ goalkeeper again in the 72^nd minute, giving Keiser a two-goal buffer.

Embry-Riddle had a wide open look on goal with Jamie Black standing wide open at the top of the six-yard box, having the goalkeeper beat, but not the post. Just one minute later, Brandon found the back of the net for her 21^st goal of the season to pull the match back within one goal at 4-3, Keiser lead.

The second-half surge for the Seahawks sends them back to the national championship match with a 19-3-1 overall record, while Embry-Riddle wraps up the season at 20-1-3.

Keiser will take on Cumberlands at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex at noon CT on Monday, Dec. 8.