CLEVELAND, Ga. (Oct. 25, 2018) – Prior to honoring the 2018 seniors, the Truett McConnell University men's soccer team defeated the Shorter University Hawks in a nonconference showdown (6-5) to conclude the 2018 season (8-7-1, 3-6-1) on Thursday evening.

Senior Joao Costa scored four of the Bears' goals to compile a total of 18 goals for his senior campaign. Though Shorter scored off a penalty kick in the opening minutes, Costa responded with his first goal of the day off a crossed ball from fellow senior Jacob Sharp. The Hawks connected for another goal (1-2) but it was only a matter of time before Costa matched it. Costa's second goal came again one minute later after a perfect ball from another fellow senior Giovanni Giraudo (2-2).

Shorter was capable of scoring again (2-3) but another TMU goal from the senior duo, Costa and Giraudo, didn't disappoint (3-3). The Hawks scored first in the second half (3-4) but Costa and Giraudo couldn't be stopped (4-4). With 10 minutes remaining, the Bears got out front for good but this time the freshmen were responsible. Freshman Daniel Holt crossed to freshman Trevor Fick inside the box which enabled TMU's fifth goal (5-4). Just two minutes later, Costa took a corner kick that led to Dylan McKendry's first goal of his freshman campaign (6-4).

The Hawks rallied in the final minutes of the game to come within one goal of the Bears but TMU was resilient (6-5).

Costa led with 12 shots, eight on goal while Sharp added four, two on goal. Evan Gaffney compiled a total of three saves on the day.