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The University of Jamestown will attempt to clinch a berth in the GPAC Championship game when they host Morningside University at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at Jimmie Turf Field.
The 22nd ranked Jimmies (17-0-1, 11-0-1 GPAC) are coming off a 3-2 win over Dordt University in the GPAC quarterfinals on Nov. 4. The Mustangs (12-5-1, 7-4-1 GPAC) are coming off a 3-0 win over Midland University in their first-round match on Nov. 4.
In the last two games, the Jimmies have been tested with the team having to fight to secure a tie and get a win, respectively. As a result, Jimmies head coach Nick Becker said he is happy that they had to claw their way through those games and expects the same in the upcoming game.
“I think that was a good wake-up call especially with Dordt firing two goals back at us. So, hopefully, we are prepared now to not have a mental lapse,” Becker said. “I can expect anything at this point, they are playing for their chance to get in and we are playing to win the conference tournament. There is a lot on the line but hopefully, we can take care of business.”
These two teams have played 14 times overall with the Mustangs owning a 7-5-2 record. The last matchup between the teams was earlier this year on Sept. 18 when the Jimmies won 4-2.
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The Jimmies will be trying to score on Morningside’s starting goalie, Sarah Finn, who has a 1.05 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage this season on a team that has given up 18 goals this season.
The Jimmies leading scorer this year, Cassandra Diaz, has been on a six-game scoring drought coming into this game. However, that is something she is hoping to change.
“I’ve been very motivated to find the back of the net these last games," Diaz said. "I feel like each game I’m trying to set a standard to find shots on goal and I hope that I’ll eventually be able to find the back of the net again.”
The Mustangs come into this game with a 6-2-1 record in away games. The Jimmies enter with a 7-0-1 record in home games. Despite the fact that this is the first time the Mustangs are coming to UJ this season, Becker expects them to be ready to try to take down the Jimmies.
“They travel well. They always do a good job on the road. They actually beat us here 1-0 last year. I do think they are a team that will be prepared,” Becker said. “Tom (Maxon) is a good coach. He’ll have a plan, they are disciplined and they will show up to play.”
The Jimmies hosting this game gives them home field advantage with the crowd on the far side of the field, Diaz said.
“I definitely feel like the crowd does have an impact because the energy from our supporters is unreal," Diaz said. "So, I feel like we get hyped when they do."
