When it comes to the playoffs, every game is unpredictable and equally important. Moraine Valley needed to win yesterday in the NJCAA Region IV semifinals to continue their playoff run. They did it in typical Cyclone fashion, routing Morton College 5-0.
The Panthers were coming off their most successful season in the history of their women's soccer program. The Cyclones, meanwhile, were eager to continue their undefeated streak and make their fourth straight trip to the region finals. Both teams had the drive, but Moraine Valley had the upper hand. They dominated this game, scoring twice (Brooke Janeczek and Mairead Ruane) in the first half and getting an own goal from the Panthers. In the second half, Morton had another own goal before Yesenia Perez tacked on the final marker.
With this win, the Cyclones are 18-0-1 and now face conference rival Waubonsee Community College in what has become a repeat finals matchup for the last few years. Moraine Valley has bested the Chiefs the last three years for a trip to the national tournament. The two face off Sunday, Oct. 28, noon, on the Cyclone field.