Defensive battle takes Great Lakes into National Championship game

Lansing, Michigan

11/21/24

The Great Lakes Christian College Crusaders took on the Providence Pilots in what was a rematch from the 2022 National Championship game, A game in which the Pilots won 2 - 0.

Fresh off a Wednesday night win against the Randall University Saints, The Crusaders needed a tie to take them to the National Championship because of superior goal difference over the Pilots.  

The game started off in a high intensity battle with the Pilots looking to put the Crusaders on the back foot immediately. Malia Fry came up big on a 1v1 breakaway by the pilots center forward.

The Pilots continued to apply pressure and managed to find space inside the 6 to get another effort on goal, Malia Fry coming up big once more managing to make another great save.

The rest of the half continued to be back and forth with neither team able to break the deadlock, Lily Baalman had the best opportunity for the Crusaders during the first half as a Great Lakes corner dropped at her feet and was volleyed agonizingly over the cross bar.

The 2nd half was very much like the 1st, With the pilots looking for the goal and the Crusaders needing just a tie to advance, An organized, Structured defensive effort from the Crusader back line continued to frustrate the Pilots.

As the game started to wind down and Providence continuing to push forward, The back line of Abbie Numerick, Jaya Johnson, Jessica Heeke and Allie Ferrall backed up by Malia Fry in goal continued to hold strong and put on a defensive masterclass to keep the Pilots out.

Ultimately the game ended 0 - 0 and the tie was enough to see the Crusaders into their 3rd National Championship game in 4 years!!