Northern clinched the conference championship with a 2-0 win over Rose State College on Wednesday.  The Mavericks did what they have done in almost every game this year starting fast with an early goal.  Jesus Aleman passed the ball to Damorney Hutchinson, who blasted a shot past the Raider goalkeeper for the only goal the Mavs would need on the day.  

Rose State responded well to the goal and were able to get good possession at times in the first half, but were able to do very little with it.  The Raiders would only get two shots on goal and five shots total for the game.

The second half started in the same fashion as the first.  Northern would pick up an early goal.  This time it would be Aleman scoring the goal that would put the game away.  Damorney Hutchinson was fouled just outside the box giving the Mavs a free kick in a good spot.  Aleman tucked the free kick into the bottom left corner of the goal giving the Mavs the important two goal lead.

Rose State made it interesting down the stretch with several corner kicks, but Northern was able to clear each ball out of danger.  

The two goal win clinched the conference championship for the Mavs with one game remaining.  Rose State came into the game tied atop the conference standings with the Mavs needing only a win or a tie to clinch the championship due to their 2-1 overtime win over the Mavs early in the year.  The Mavs needed to win by two or more goals to clinch the title on Wednesday.  Northern would have won the championship with a one goal win as well, but would have had to wait until their result with Eastern Oklahoma State on Saturday.

Spencer Braswell picked up his seventh shutout of the year.  Northern completed their five home games undefeated without allowing a goal.  The Mavs outscored their opponents 16-0 at home this year.

"Congratulations to the boys," said coach Michael DuRoy.  "They have worked hard all year.  It starts with the leadership from our captains and sophomores.  They do not allow the team to slip.  As everyone knows it's been a difficult year full of challenges off the field with Covid, quarantine, and the season being moved to the spring." 

"Rose State is very good," DuRoy added.  "They press hard and can move the ball when they get it.  They are physical and well coached.  Beating them is difficult.  We know the Region 2 Tournament will be difficult.  Rich Mountain is playing really well and Murray State is capable of beating anyone.  We are looking forward to the challenge"