Soccer Cats Fall in Regional Bracket Final

MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The No. 8 Bethel University Men's Wildcat soccer squad saw their season come to a close in heartbreaking fashion Saturday in the NAIA National Championship McKenzie Bracket final at Wildcat Stadium. The Wildcats fell to No. 17 Mid-America Christian 3-2 in double overtime. MACU (15-3-3) advances to the next round of the NAIA National Championship which will be held in Columbia County, Georgia May 4-10. The Wildcats finished the season at 13-2.

With eight minutes left in the first period, Bethel took the lead on a Damani Haris goal. Pascal Mohungsi had the assist. Early in the second period, MACU's Cesar Ramirez had the equalizer to tie the match. At the 64:54 mark Ramirez struck again to give the Evangels the lead at 2-1. The Bethel bench thought he was off-sides but the call stood. The Wildcats appeared to be in dire straits but with just over a minute in regulation Alioune Diop scored on an assist from Sergio Baguena to tie the match. After a scoreless first overtime, the Evangels won on the Golden Boot from Mandela Singh-Sharpe in the second extra period.

A big factor in the game was Mohungsi was injured early in the second period and missed much of the remainder of the contest.

MACU had a 21-18 advantage in shots and a 13-10 margin in shots on goal. There were 19 fouls on Bethel while Mid-America Christian was flagged 14 times. Each squad finished with 10 corner kicks. Norberto Lima Vieira had 10 saves while Juan Cediel had eight saves for MACU.

Coach Malang Jarju commented, "The boys played really well today, especially in the first half. We were just unlucky at times. We created lots of chances but we just couldn't finish. I am so proud of the way we started and how we approached the game. I think we dominated at times but again just unlucky at times of the match. I know it is a tough loss but we will regroup and plan for next year." Malang talked about the season and future, "I am proud of what we accomplished this year. We only lose one senior in Ryan Davey. We will miss him as a great player and person but we hope to get back to work and have another great season next year."

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