CLEVELAND, GA. |Â Â Â Â
Bears Defeat Union to Claim First Conference Title
The TMU Bears played in their first conference championship game Friday afternoon. The Bears played host to the Bulldogs of Union College. In the regular season matchup, the Bears lost a heart breaker at Union, but revenge was not the motive for the Bears. They were looking to make history by winning the first AAC title.
Both teams had their chances to take the lead in the first half. In fifth minute the Bears had three shot attempts but all of them were saved by the Bulldogs' GK or missed the target. Eight minutes later Union had a great chance by rifling off two shots on goal but GK Evan Gaffney made a great save and the Bears' defense prevented the other shot from crossing the goal line. It took some time, but the Bears were able to break the scoreless tie in the forty-second minute. Jacob Sharp sent a ball in from the right side of the goal, and Raul Diaz was ready to head the ball in to the back of the net giving the Bears a 1-0 lead going into half time.
Though they were excited to have the lead, the Bears were looking to score another goal, and in the fiftieth minute, the Bears did just that. Nacho Perez played a great ball to Joao Costa who was able to kick the ball past the Union GK for the Bears' second goal. The Bulldogs had their chances to cut into the lead, but all their opportunities were thwarted by Gaffney and the rest of the Bears' defense and the Bears held on to win the championship 2-0.
"The boys really did amazing on the biggest of occasions! This program has had a monumental season and the boys really worked hard to get to where they are now," said Coach Rob Miller. "We have a team that is a family, a family that loves each other and the Lord, and they are a joy to coach!"
Dr. Emir Caner, the President of TMU, was very proud of the men's soccer team and their momentous accomplishment. "What an historic day for TMU! I am so proud of Coach Miller and each and every member of the Men's Soccer team. Such a day will not soon be forgotten." Jenni Shepard, who currently serves as the school's Athletic Director, said, "Coach Miller and Sparky have worked tirelessly to recruit amazing players and achieve this goal. I am so happy for the players, but also for the coaches because they have poured countless hours into their work at TMU."
With the conference championship, the Bears now have a spot in the NAIA National Tournament. The Bears' opponent or the location of the next match has not yet been set, but will be announced during the NAIA Men's Soccer Selection Show. This will air on November 13th at 1pm.
