ASHLAND, Ohio – The Grand Valley State Lakers claimed their 16^th Midwest Regional Championship after defeating the top seeded Ashland Eagles 1-0 Friday (Dec. 1) night at Ferguson Field in Ashland, Ohio. The Lakers advance to the elite eight and will face Washburn for the chance to go to the final four.
 
It was back and forth between the two teams in the first half. Ashland led 5-4 in shots and held a 6-2 corner kick advantage, but the score remained tied heading into the break. 
 
In the second half, the Lakers produced scoring chances but one shot by Abby Winn went just wide left and a shot by Claire Breault was stopped on a diving save by the keeper. 
 
In the 86^th minute, Taylor Reid made two beautiful moves to get past Eagle defenders inside the box. Reid was able to get a shot off with the left foot that got by the keeper at the bottom left corner of the goal for the go-ahead goal. That goal would be the difference maker and Reid notched her fifth of the season and third game winning goal of the season.
 
Reid led the Lakers with a goal off two shots, both on goal. Kacy Lauer notched three shots with two on goal in 85 minutes of play. Alli French and Claire Breault each recorded two shots with one on goal. Four Laker field players saw all 90 minutes of action in the win. Isabel Imes got the start in goal and made five saves for her sixth shutout of the season.
 
The Lakers will now take on the top seed in the central region Washburn Sunday (Dec. 3) at 3:00 PM at Ferguson Field in Ashland, Ohio. The winner will advance to the final four next week in North Carolina. Visit gvsulakers.com for links to live video and live stats and follow @GVSUSoccer on Twitter for live in-game updates.