MEDFORD, Ore. – Eastern Oregon defeated Warner Pacific University 2-1 in a thrilling Cascade Collegiate Conference Tournament semifinal match that extended into overtime. The Mountaineers advance to the championship match after
Edgar Romero Perez's dramatic late goal in the 99th minute.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Eastern Oregon taking a 1-0 lead just before halftime. Abner Hernandez put the Mounties on the scoreboard in the 44th minute, capitalizing on a corner kick from Daniel Kropf. Warner Pacific responded in the second half, equalizing in the 60th minute when Antonio Cipriano pounced on a rebound.
Both teams battled through the final 30 minutes of regulation with several chances, but the Mountaineers prevailed in overtime. Romero Perez's game-winning goal came after a assist from Jesus Alvarez, as he sent a powerful strike from the left sideline past the Warner Pacific goalkeeper, Noe Rodriguez.
Eastern Oregon controlled much of the offensive play, registering 17 shots, five of which were on goal. Hernandez led the way with four shots, including the opening goal. The Mountaineers also earned seven corner kicks, which proved vital in their offensive setup. Meanwhile, Warner Pacific was limited to 10 shots, with only three on target.
Anthony Lemus made two key saves for Eastern Oregon, while Rodriguez tallied three saves for the Knights.
Key Stats:
- Goals: EOU – Abner Hernandez (44:51), Edgar Romero Perez (99:33); WPU – Antonio Cipriano (60:40).
- Shots: Eastern Oregon 17 (5 on goal); Warner Pacific 10 (3 on goal).
- Corner Kicks: Eastern Oregon 7; Warner Pacific 2.
- Saves: Anthony Lemus (EOU) 2; Noe Rodriguez (WPU) 3.
Eastern Oregon will now advance to the Cascade Collegiate Conference final, where they will compete for the championship against Carroll College on Thursday, November 14, at 2 p.m. By reaching the CCC Championship, the Mountaineers have earned an automatic berth to the NAIA National Championship tournament for the first time since 2019.
