Bears Capture 8th Straight Conference Championship
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – Dallas College Brookhaven women's soccer team won its eighth consecutive conference championship Tuesday night.
The National Junior College Athletic Association Division III No. 2-ranked Bears beat No. 7 Dallas College Richland, 1-0, in the final regular season game to capture the Dallas Athletic Conference title. Brookhaven (9-2-3, 7-0-3 DAC) has won five straight games, and will host the NJCAA Division III South District Tournament Tuesday-Saturday next week. Brookhaven and Richland (8-3-2, 6-2-2) will both receive quarterfinal byes Tuesday, and will play in next Thursday's semifinals.
Daniela Porto scored the game's only goal on an assist from Gianna Antovoni in the 71st minute.
"Tuesday night's game against Richland was a really big one for us in so many ways," said Brookhaven 10-year assistant coach Robert Williams. "We knew that a win or draw would secure us not only our eight straight conference title, but also the opportunity to host the district tournament on our home field."
In a rivalry where one-goal verdicts have become the norm, Brookhaven answered the call in a winner-takes-the-title scenario.
"It was a back-and-forth game against a talented and tough Thunderducks team," Williams said. "Our girls were fired up, and didn't let the weight of the game get to them."
Bears goalkeeper Brianna Flores stopped all seven shots she faced. Brookhaven had four shots on goal and five total.
"I have to be honest, I was nervous before the game, and felt a bit of pressure," Williams said. "I didn't want to fail and not win or host the district tournament. But once the game started, the butterflies went away. When Daniel scored off the beautiful cross from Gianna, I knew it was ours to take."
It was Porto's third goal and first game winner of the season. It was also the third straight game she's scored. Antovoni has had at least one assist in the past three games.
"Daniela and Gianna have been clutch in our last few games," Williams said. "So it was no surprise that the same duo who combined to score against Richland in the first meeting would do it again."
Antovoni scored on an assist from Porto in the 1-1 draw the two teams had in the first round of league play.
"After the game, the pressure was gone, and I let the emotions out," Williams said. "Not only did we win the conference, but our sophomores got to enjoy the win even more on their Sophomore Night celebration. I couldn't be any prouder of these young ladies, and I really enjoy coaching them."
Now the postseason begins.
"One hurdle has been passed," Williams said. "We don't have a lot of time to savor the win because we are back to work, preparing for the district tournament."