LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Third-seeded Spalding University survived a tense second-half push to edge sixth-seeded Principia College 3–2 on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Legacy Fields, advancing to the SLIAC Tournament semifinals. Defender
Ethan Welsh set the tone early for the Golden Eagles, breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute off a setup from
John Villatoro. Welsh doubled the lead in the 34th minute by calmly converting a penalty kick, giving Spalding a comfortable 2–0 cushion heading into halftime.
Principia responded quickly after the break, pulling within one in the 53rd minute on an unassisted strike from Eduardo Salazar. Spalding maintained heavy offensive pressure throughout the match, ultimately outshooting the Panthers 23–15, but Principia goalkeeper Edgar Cartagena kept his squad within reach by compiling 11 saves. The Golden Eagles finally secured vital insurance in the 88th minute when
Ryder Roberson—who fired a team-high eight total shots—finished a pass from
Benit Mulume to put Spalding ahead 3–1. Principia's Alberto Hernandez converted a penalty kick with under 30 seconds remaining to bring the Panthers back within one, but Spalding ran out the clock to seal the victory.
Goalkeeper
Gabe Brangers notched four saves on six shots on target to earn the win in net for Spalding (7-9-2). With the quarterfinal victory in hand, the Golden Eagles advance to the SLIAC Tournament Semifinals on Thursday, November 5, at Worldwide Technology Soccer Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
