MHicks posted on November 22, 2011 15:23
ORANGE BEACH, Ala-- The fifteen Opening Round games are over and the field of sixteen teams for the 2011 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Nov. 28 - Dec. 3 at the Orange Beach Sportsplex is set.
Co-host University of Mobile received a bye to the Round of 16, and the Rams will be joined by Hastings, Saint Xavier, Science & Arts, Azusa Pacific, Rio Grande, Belhaven, William Carey, Baker, Huston-Tillotson, Great Falls, Grand View, Bethel, Southern Poly, Hannibal-LaGrange and Lindsey Wilson.
Hastings won the tournament last year, and joins Lindsey Wilson as the two undefeated teams in the field.
Awaiting the Rams is William Carey Monday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 pm in a battle of SSAC foes. The teams fought to a 1-1 tie earlier this year in Hattiesburg, Miss. Belhaven and Southern Poly also represent the SSAC in the field.
The 4th-seeded Rams will enter play with a 16-2-1 record, while 13th-seeded William Carey sports a 14-3-3 mark. In the teams' 1-1 tie this year, shots and shots on goal were even at 16 and 9, respectively. Francois Navarro tallied the Crusaders' lone goal, while Eoin Dolan scored Mobile's goal. There were 27 fouls and six yellow cards handed out.
William Carey is 2-2-3 in their last seven games and has allowed 10 goals in that span. To advance to Orange Beach, William Carey defeated Embry-Riddle 3-2 in the Opening Round. Luis Trude scored twice, and Jonny Fairbairn scored the game-winner in the 69th minute.
There will be four games each day Monday-Wednesday, and then the semifinals Friday at 4 and 6 pm and the championship will take place Saturday at 7 pm.
Mobile and Hastings were in the Round of 4 last year.