Thunderducks Slip Past Suns in District Semifinals

HIGHLIGHTS

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas – Dallas College Richland's Savannah David scored on a penalty kick in the 83^rd minute to keep the second-seeded Thunderducks' season going.

David's goal lifted Richland past third-seeded Dallas College Cedar Valley, 2-1, Thursday in the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III South District semifinals at Dallas College Brookhaven. Richland (9-3-2) meets the top-seeded Bears (10-2-3) for the district championship 12 p.m. Saturday.

It marks the third straight year Richland and Brookhaven will play for the title match. Brookhaven won the past two. The Thunderducks beat the Bears in 2018 for the district title on their way to the national championship.

The Thunderducks took a 1-0 lead in the 33^rd minute on a goal by Linzy Villa. Abigail Suarez had the assist. Richland maintained control past the midway point in the second half before Cedar Valley's Victory Oyoyo Peter banged in a rebound right at the goal line to tie the match. Victoria Hernandez was given an assist on the Suns' goal.

A little over five minutes later, with Richland on the attack, David was awarded the penalty kick. She converted for her fourth goal of the year. It was her second game winner.

Cedar Valley (8-4-3) attempted 21 shots, including 11 on frame. Richland had 20 shots.

The Suns nearly scored off a corner kick with 1:52 remaining in the first half when the ball caromed around, was tipped by Thunderducks' goalkeeper April Reep and headed out by Jatziry Loya, who was positioned at the far post.

Suns starting keeper Olivia Reyna made nine saves in the first half. Serena Aldana had seven in the second.

Saturday's district championship will air on TSBN.