Oct. 29, 2016 - The postseason began today for the Concordia University Chicago Cougar Women's Soccer team. They would travel to Aurora University for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference quarterfinal match. The Cougars were able to control the pace of play throughout, but were unable to break through during the match. CUC also played perfect defense throughout as well. One hundred ten minutes were not enough to decide the match, despite the Cougar's strong performance. Aurora was able to squeak out the victory and end the Cougars' season in penalty kicks by a score of 3-1.

CUC was able to create opportunities from the start. Shots by Elizabeth Sanders and Natalie Weinhold got the Cougar attack into a rhythm that they would not lose all afternoon. CUC continued to put pressure on Aurora throughout the half but was unable to score. Aurora had the best look of the half with a one-on-one run on goalie Allyson Krajnak, but Krajnak aggressively cut off the angle and the shot went high.

The second half was much like the first. CUC was able to create opportunities but could not completely break the Spartans' back line. The best opportunities came late in the second half, with a shot by Sanders that was saved, and a late corner kick that was cleared in traffic. Dual red cards were shown just before the end of the second period, so both teams entered overtime playing with 10 on the field.

Aurora put their best offensive attack together in the first overtime period. They were able to get through the Cougars' back line, but continued fantastic play by Krajnak kept CUC alive. The Cougars were able to counter with good opportunities in the second overtime, but Aurora goalie Caitlin deRuiter stepped up to the challenge and sent the game into deciding penalty kicks.

In the best of five shootout Aurora shot first. They were able to convert while CUC's shot was saved. In round two Aurora converted a second time, and the Cougars answered when Sarah LaCost put her shot inside right post. CUC was unable to convert their next two chances, and when Aurora converted their kick in the fifth round, the match and the Cougars' season were both ended.

CUC finishes with a 10-9-1 record overall. They will say goodbye to eight seniors: Weinhold, Sanders, Alisha Johnson, Nikki Anderson, Christina Kiotis, Meghan Albregts, Kelsey Schwab and Sharice Ellenwood.