Grace Soccer: Men Sidelined In NCCAA Tourney
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – A 3-0 defeat on Wednesday against No. 1 Campbellsville officially wrapped up the 2016 season for the Grace College men’s soccer team.
The Lancers (10-9-3) were eliminated in pool play at the NCCAA National Championships against the high-powered Tigers (16-2-3).
Campbellsville, who was ranked in the NAIA all year and reached the NAIA Opening Round a few weeks ago, outshot Grace 23-11 and had a 5-1 lead in corner kicks as well.
Both teams had chances in the early stages. The Tigers had a high header that Robbie Barnhill saved, and Damon Binkley had a try at goal for Grace.
In the 13th minute, Grace had another chance from a set piece when Breno Oliveira’s shot forced a strong save by the Tigers’ goalkeeper.
Not long after, Jon Sands and Josiah Osborn made back-to-back saves off the goal line to keep the Tigers off the scoreboard.
Campbellsville did strike first in the 30th minute when a long pass down the middle beat Grace’s backline.
Minutes before halftime the Tigers doubled their lead, finishing off a cross inside the box.
The win was essentially secured for Campbellsville in the 58th minute when another long pass beat Grace, resulting in the game’s third goal.
The Lancers produced six shots after halftime but only two on goal.
Barnhill came up with 10 saves during his final collegiate match as Grace’s goalkeeper.
Oliveira had two shots on goal, and Colin Cape, Daniel Smith, Binkley and Mitchell Zeilenga also shot twice.
The loss ends the careers of Grace’s senior class, which had 3 winning seasons, 40 victories overall and 2 straight trips to NCCAA Nationals.