New College of Florida Women's Soccer saw its historic 2026 season come to an end Wednesday, falling 1-0 to Florida Memorial University in the Sun Conference Tournament quarterfinals.
The Mighty Banyans held the Lions scoreless for more than 86 minutes before Lumturie Berushi scored the match's lone goal with 3:42 remaining.
NCF finished the season 7-5-3, setting a program record for victories. Wednesday's match also marked the Mighty Banyans' first postseason appearance in program history.
Avaya Wright recorded four saves, while NCF placed six of its eight shots on goal and finished with a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Florida Memorial nearly opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Javine McKnight struck the crossbar.
Wright made her first save in the 13th minute, turning away an attempt from Emily Campos.
NCF began creating pressure with three corner kicks over the opening 25 minutes. Emma Hunter produced the Mighty Banyans' first shot on goal in the 33rd minute, but Florida Memorial goalkeeper Isabella Rueda made the save.
Abigail Craig placed another attempt on target in the 43rd minute before Wright made a save with 11 seconds remaining in the opening half to send the match into halftime scoreless.
The Mighty Banyans generated several opportunities after the break. Lea Scott forced saves in the 56th and 73rd minutes, while Naomi Woerner placed an attempt on goal in the 65th.
Chloe Nickell tested Rueda in the 78th minute, but the match remained scoreless.
Florida Memorial finally broke through at the 86:18 mark. Berushi scored off an assist from Rudo Marufu to give the Lions a 1-0 advantage.
NCF continued pushing for an equalizer, but Nickell's final attempt went wide with 27 seconds remaining.
THE TURNING POINT
The Mighty Banyans kept Florida Memorial off the scoreboard through the opening 86 minutes while generating several chances of their own.
Berushi broke the deadlock with 3:42 remaining, leaving NCF little time to answer before the final whistle.
BY THE NUMBERS
7
Victories recorded by NCF, the most in a season in program history.
1
First Sun Conference Tournament appearance for the Mighty Banyans.
86:18
Time of Florida Memorial's game-winning goal.
6
Shots placed on goal by NCF.
4
Saves recorded by Wright.
STAT LEADERS
Shots: Lea Scott - 2; Chloe Nickell - 2; Naomi Woerner - 2; Emma Hunter - 1; Abigail Craig - 1
Shots on Goal: Lea Scott - 2; Chloe Nickell - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1; Emma Hunter - 1; Abigail Craig - 1
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 1 goal allowed, 4 saves
