For the eighth time in program history, the Butler Soccer team is headed back to the NJCAA National Soccer Tournament after their 3-1 victory over Barton Sunday afternoon.
"Winning the Region and going to nationals for the eight time is just amazing," said head coach Adam Hunter. "This group was down and out in regard to our record this season, but to avenge not just the Barton loss, but the Cowley and Hutch loss throughout this tournament, the kids just believed in what we were trying to do and as a result we are headed to Georgia."
Butler entered the Region VI tournament as the No. 4 seed in the East, one of their lowest ever seeds and were labeled as the 'underdog' throughout the tournament. With the tradition of success at Butler and the championships won, head coach Adam Hunter says he didn't see it like that.
"We were never the underdog in my mind," commented Hunter. "We have history on our side and a tradition of success that all the former players have established. We just tried to get the players to understand the crest that is on the front of their chest and what they are playing for. The players adopted that underdog role and I think the momentum got going against Cowley and it never stopped."
It was a battle early with both teams fighting for control of the ball and field. Barton would strike first off a set piece ending in a goal by Gisselle Melendez-Valles in the 34th minute of the game. Butler had an answer, and it came just six minutes later, also a score off a set piece after a foul by Barton. Ellie MacDonald drove the ball into the box where Abbi Clark made a cut inside her defender and got a head on the ball sending it into the net to tie the game right before the half.
The Grizzlies would play much of the second half with a player and eventually a two-player advantage after two of Barton's players received red cards in the second half, removing them from the contest.
Rachel Wolecki and the Butler offense now got on the attack and pressed hard being up two players. Natalie Amaya made a nice move past her defender and passed the ball to Rachel Wolecki inside the 18-box and Wolecki launched it into the top corner of the net giving Butler the lead with 13-minutes remaining.
Ellie MacDonald would provide the insurance goal in the 84th minute as she drove one in off a set piece from 35-yards out getting the ball past two leaping Cougar defenders who were unable to get a piece of the ball.
Barton did have their chances, especially in the first half, as they finished with 14 shots, seven on goal scoring just one. Maggie Koster had six saves in the contest, a couple that were extremely close. Butler finished with just four shots on goal but got three of them past the Cougars Aida Saenz.
Butler has now won eight Region VI Championships in program history, 2003, 2004, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021. Adam Hunter has been the head coach for six of the eight. Butler leads the all-time series over Barton 19-5.
"It feels amazing," commented sophomore keeper Maggie Koster. "A little unbelievable. I am so proud and happy to be a part of this group and can't to get to nationals."
The Grizzlies will prepare for the NJCAA Division I Women's Soccer National Championship that will take place June 3-8, 2021 in Blanchard Woods Park in Evans, Georgia.
