Peninsula Wins 5th NWAC Women’s Soccer Title with Dramatic 1-0 Victory over Clark

PHOTOS | BRACKET

TUKWILA, Wash. – It took until the 83rd minute for the first and only goal of the championship game, as the Peninsula College Pirates earned their fifth NWAC Women's Soccer title in the last nine seasons by a 1-0 score over Clark on Sunday at Starfire Stadium.

The Pirates had 14 shots on goal on the night and had numerous scoring opportunities, but it was the one shot that came out of nowhere that won the game. In the 83rd minute, Grace Johnson received a pass just outside the box and looked to make a move past a Clark defender. The ball rolled just enough away from Johnson as she quickly changed directions, but it ended up right in front of Maya Clarke, who blasted it into the right side of the net.

"People have asked me about the goal and it kind of caught me off guard," said head coach Kanyon Anderson. "I didn't see it coming. I think that is what a championship game sometimes needs, a goal that comes out of nowhere. It was really cool for Maya."

The goal was the first of the season for Clarke, who came up clutch for her team in the biggest moment of the year. She was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

The Pirates (18-0-2) won their fifth title under Anderson. Since Anderson took over as head coach, Peninsula has been to the semifinals in 10-straight seasons, reaching the finals in nine of those.

"This may be the deepest, most talented team I have ever had, so it was really cool to get the win with them," said Anderson.

Peninsula controlled much of the game, outshooting Clark 23-10 including 14-4 in shots on goal. Clark goalkeeper Presley Gauthier had an outstanding game with 13 saves, helping keep the Pirates off the board for much of the game. Clark also had their offensive chances, especially in the second half where they totaled four corner kicks. Kelli Huskic had six shots to pace the Penguins.

Isaia Musuai pitched the shutout for Peninsula with three saves. Malia Miller and Chiaki Takase each finished with six shots, with Miller putting four on goal and Takase with three.

The Penguins had an outstanding season under head coach Peter Pickett, going undefeated until the finals and winning the South Region with a 12-0 record. They finished the year 14-1 overall.

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Contact: Iain Dexter; idexter@clark.edu