WASHINGTON TWP, Mich. — It was a case of better late than never for Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, who earned a 1-0 win over Sin City FC in the final match of the NISA Pro Cup group stage thanks to a late goal from winger Travis Ward.
A win was the only result that would see Hailstorm leap over Sin City in the Group B table and advance to the NISA Pro Cup semifinals, where they will face Group A winners LA Force on Sunday.
Hailstorm started strong, creating numerous chances in the first half with a strong Michigan wind at their backs, but could not find the goal they needed early as the match went into halftime at 0-0.
The match became cagey in the second half, with Sin City trying to hold on to the scoreless draw that would see them progress out of the group stage, and it took until the last 20 minutes for Northern Colorado to find the breakthrough.
In the 72nd minute, Aaron Russ found Nathan Yared down Hailstorm’s right flank, and Yared’s shot was saved well by Sin City keeper Miguel Duenas, but it fell right to ward, who smashed the rebound home to put Hailstorm in front.
From there, Hailstorm finished the job by keeping the clean sheet and securing their second victory of the tournament.
With the win, Hailstorm advance to face LA Force in the NISA Pro Cup semifinals on Sunday in a match tentatively scheduled for 7 a.m. Mountain time.
Late Winner Secures Hailstorm Berth in NISA Pro Cup Semifinals
