UM Rams Wins Region XIII Championship

MOBILE, Ala. – Led by Dean Logan’s two goals, the 9^th-ranked UM Rams men’s soccer team (15-4) defeated the Senators of Auburn University-Montgomery (14-4-1) 3-1 in the Region XIII final. Playing perhaps their best game of the year the Rams held their regional rival to just eight shots while the Rams were able to threaten with 17 of their own.

“We defended really well,” said Coach Fuller. “For the first 80 minutes our defending was tremendous.”

All-American defender Jamie Ferguson scored the Rams’ first goal of the game in the 23^rd minute. Awarded a direct kick at the top of the 18 yard box, Ferguson got the shot off quickly catching the Senators off guard.

Mobile would not strike again until the 75^th minute as Darren Toby penetrated AUM’s defense and served the ball to Dean Logan who rifled a shot to give the Rams a 2-0 advantage.

The lethal combination of Toby and Logan struck again for Mobile’s third and final goal of the night just three minutes later.

While the defending regional 13 champions had eight shots on frame, it was the stellar play of Rams’ keeper Tommi Sarkinnen who made seven tough saves look routine.

“Tommi was awesome tonight and he played like he was capable of playing,” Coach Fuller said. “He’s a terrific goalkeeper and what he showed us tonight is what I expect from him every time out.”

AUM’s Sigurdur Sighvatsson scored their only goal of the night in the 81^st minute however it was too little, too late.

With the win, the Rams secure an automatic bid to next week’s NAIA National Tournament and with it an opportunity to defend their national title.

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