Women's Soccer Takes Runner-up Title In National Tourney

 

Women's team celebrating their NJCAA Western District win.

One of the most historic postseasons in Salt Lake Community College Athletics history has come to a disappointing end.
 
Playing in their first NJCAA Women's Soccer national championship match, No. 2 SLCC lost a 2-0 decision to No. 1 Tyler, falling in a defensive battle. This is Tyler's fifth-consecutive appearance in the national championship match, and their second-consecutive national championship. 
 
In a match where scoring was light, Tyler took its first lead in the 32nd minute on a Mukarama Abdulai goal. Tyler would hold a narrow 1-0 lead until the 87th minute, when Abdulai scored again to put the match away.
 
"This is a tough loss for our team tonight," said SLCC coach Mark Davis. "It's disappointing right now, but this loss does nothing to take away from what has been a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience for our players. I'm proud of our entire program for what we've done here."
 
SLCC's defense kept the Bruins in the game, with Salt Lake goalie Carli Jager making eight saves in the loss. Tyler held a 21-9 final advantage in shots. This is only the second time this season where Salt Lake has been held scoreless, with the other coming in a road loss to nationally-ranked Snow College. 
 
The night wasn't without individual honors for Salt Lake, as the Bruins saw Jager, Cassidy Adams and Hannah Lee be named to the All-Tournament Team. Only Lee is a sophomore of the three SLCC players to be honored. 
 
"It's a great honor to have three players named to the NJCAA All-Tournament Team," said Davis. "It's also special for all three of these players to be from the Salt Lake Valley, showcasing the strength of players we have in the state of Utah. Our program continues to have a bright future."
 
The loss drops SLCC to 15-2-1 to end the 2021 season, with a Scenic West Athletic Conference regular-season title, Region 18 tournament title and NJCAA Western District title in tow.