PHOENIX, Ariz.—Breanna McCarter found the back of the net in the 74th minute to lead the Utah Valley University women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Grand Canyon in the semifinals of the WAC Tournament on Friday night at GCU Soccer Stadium in Phoenix.
 
With the win, Utah Valley (10-11) advances to Sunday's championship match against No. 4 seed and defending champion Seattle U. A win on Sunday would give the Wolverines the WAC's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament next week.
 
Sydney Fitzpatrick raced down the right side of the field in the 74th minute and made a lead pass to Breanna MCarter who then one-touched it past the GCU keeper for the game-winning goal.
 
"I'm proud of our team for competing and battling tonight," said Utah Valley head coach Chris Lemay. "I thought we were in better form in the first half than we were in the second half. We weathered the storm in the second half and created chances. In a match like this its about one opportunity and who can capitalize. Today, Bre McCarter came up huge off of an unbelievable run from Syd."
 
Grand Canyon outshot Utah Valley 20-15 on the night, including an 8-5 advantage on goal. Breanna DeWaal led the Wolverines with six shots, including three on goal. Fitzpatrick had three shots, while Leesa Stowe had two. UVU tallied eight corner kicks to GCU's four.
 
The Utah Valley defense weathered GCU's 20-shot storm to record its fifth shutout of the season. UVU keeper Brooklyn Nielsen recorded a match-high seven saves while picking up the shutout in goal.
 
Utah Valley will play for a chance to advance to the NCAA Tournament on Sunday against Seattle U. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on the WAC Digital Network at WACsports.com/live.