Late Goal Gives Muskegon 1-0 Upset Over No. 14 Express Women In Region XII Semifinal

Jill Burkholder makes a move against a Muskegon defender in today's Region XII semifinal. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Jill Burkholder makes a move against a Muskegon defender in today's Region XII semifinal. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Jackson, MI---After a season full of injuries, the No. 14 Express women couldn't overcome another one today as they gave up the game's lone goal with 42 seconds left in a 1-0 loss to Muskegon Community College in the Region XII semifinals today.

It was only the 14th goal the Express had given up in 18 games this year.

Kendra Eitniear, the leading goal scorer for the Express, went down after a scary head-to-head collision with 8:21 remaining in the first half. She did not return and finished her career as the top scorer in program history with 32 goals and 12 assists.

Erika Brinkman played the entire game in goal for the Express. She made a tremendous save in net with about a minute remaining in regulation, but was unable to stop a shot about 20 seconds after that.

The Express finish their season at 12-3-3. They posted 10 shutouts this year, including two previous shutouts of Muskegon CC in the regular season.

Notes

The Express previously lost four players to season ending injuries, while three others missed time at various points due to injuries.

Delta College, the defending Region XII tournament champion, defeated Schoolcraft College in PKs in the first semifinal. Thus, Muskegon will take on Delta tomorrow in the Region XII championship at 12 p.m.

All three matches are being held at Jackson Community College.