Sept. 10, 2004

Rams defeat Thomas University 1-0 in second game of O'Charley's Futbol Festival

MOBILE, Ala. -- Bjorn Asbjornson scored a goal in the 83rd minute lifting the University of Mobile (2-0-1) to a thrilling 1-0 victory over regional opponent Thomas University, Friday night, in the second game of the O'Charley's Futbol Festival played on the University of Mobile campus in Mobile, Alabama.

Having missed on three easy scoring opportunities in the first half, the Rams refused to give up and their efforts paid off.  Receiving the ball just outside the 18-yard box, Asbjornson quickly turned to his right and fired a shot, low and hard into the bottom right side of the net propelling the Rams to their second victory of the year.

A defensive battle throughout, the Rams defense pitched their first shutout of the season and junior goalkeeper James Beggs made three critical saves including a breakaway by Thomas late in the second half, in helping preserve the shutout.

Mobile, returns to action tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 11 when the Rams face off against defending national champion and currently ranked, no. 1, University of Rio Grande (5-0-0). 

Tomorrow night's game will pit the previous two national champions.  Mobile won the NAIA National Championship in 2002 and Rio Grande, defeated Mobile 3-1 last season in the NAIA National Quarterfinals enroute to their 2003 national championship.

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