No. 16 Indiana Wesleyan Defeats Cumberland, Advances to Round of 16

LEBANON, Tenn. - Indiana Wesleyan Women's Soccer defeated Cumberland University, 1-0 in the 2024 NAIA National Championship Second Round. It was quite the battle all game as neither side could break down the opposing defense up until late in the second half. The lone goal of the game came in the 83rd minute when Alejandra Tavarez found the back of the net. The Wildcat defense held strong to win with another shutout. This win propels IWU to the Round of 16 in Pensacola, Florida.

 

THE ESSENTIALS

• Location: Lebanon, Tenn. | Lindsey Donnell Stadiun
• Regular Season Records: IWU: 12-3-2 (7-1-1) | CU: 11-4-1 (3-2-1)

WHAT HAPPENED

• Neither team was able to gain momentum early and went into halftime tied at 0.
• Freshman Alejandra Tavarez received a double assist from Sarah Foulk and Jackie Norris for the lone goal of the game in the 83rd minute.
• Avery Sluss made 8 crucial saves to keep the Phoenix from scoring all game.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 8: Sluss made 8 saves during the game to shutout Cumberland.
• 5: The game was evenly matched as both the Wildcats and the Phoenix took 5 corner kicks.
• 1: One goal was all it took from Tavarez to put the Wildcats on top.

 SEIFFERT PERSPECTIVE

• "I'm really proud of this team and the fight they demonstrated today. This is a special team who ultimately just loves each other really well and fights hard for each other non-stop," said Coach Daniel Seiffert. "It was exciting to see our defense stand strong against a very talented attacking team, and then to be resilient late in the game and get the go ahead goal. We will enjoy this one tonight and are excited to be advancing as one of the last 16 teams standing, but our work is not done yet. Looking forward to getting back to work on Monday and spending a little bit more time with this special group of young women!"

LOOKING FORWARD

• IWU advances to the Round of 16 in Pensacola, Florida and will play the No. 2 seed William Carey.