GREAT FALLS, Mont. – The Providence (Mont.) Argos ended Southern Oregon's regular-season championship aspirations Friday, scoring twice in the first half for a 2-1 upset at Argo Field.
The Raiders (9-3-3 overall, 7-2-2 Cascade Conference) needed two wins in the final weekend of the regular season to claim a share of the CCC title. Grace Ibsen put them in a hole in the 36th minute by knocking in an 18-yard free kick, and Eme McLaughlin tallied for the 16th time this season in the 44th with a similarly long shot off Bri Wikert's assist.
SOU didn't cut into the lead until the 76th minute, when
Maddie Casey's corner kick set up a
Maddy Spangler header. The goal was Spangler's second and the assist Casey's second.
The Raiders hadn't allowed multiple goals in any of their previous seven games. They were out-shot, 16-8, and had to make nine saves compared to Providence's three.
The Argos went to 7-8 overall and 5-6 in the CCC, keeping their postseason hopes alive.
The Raiders will play Sunday at Carroll, which can capture the CCC co-title with a win. SOU can still earn the No. 2 seed with a win.