IRVINE, CA (December 1, 2023) – Two first-half goals proved to be enough to advance.

Jonathan Arguta and Marques Vagner scored within five minutes of each other midway through the first half to lift NoVa FC to a 2-1 victory over FC Brownsville on Friday in the NISA Nation National Championship semifinals at Orange County Great Park's Championship Stadium.

"Even with a two-goal lead we knew weren't safe," NoVa FC goalkeeper Tyler Back said. "They got one late on and really made us finish the match the right way."

FC Brownsville pulled one back in the second half from the penalty spot, with Ordonez Nino converting. 

NoVa FC advances to play Las Vegas Legends FC in the NISA Nation National Championhip Final at Championship Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. PT.