CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — It's not how you start, it's how you finish and Campbellsville men's soccer proved that statement true tonight. The Tigers flipped a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 victory over West Virginia Tech to advance to Delray Beach, Fla. for the NAIA National Championship Tournament.
Campbellsville (18-2) finishes with a perfect home record (10-0) and will now play Davenport (Mich.) on Monday, Nov. 30 with a time TBA. The four-seeded Panthers knocked off Purdue Calumet 3-0 in the Opening Round today.
Playing without center-back Daniel Nimmo and playing against a 30 mph wind gust, West Virginia Tech took advantage and came out like a rocket firing two goals within the first 13:33 of the first half to shock the Tigers. Joaquin Rodriguez scored in the first 2:12 and then Jose Segarra found the net at the 13:33 mark.
"We knew the wind was going to be a factor and I thought the guys adjusted well after the slow start," said CU coach Adam Preston.
But the Tigers stayed the course and settled in. First-team All-Conference forward, Marcelo Petit received a pass from second-team All-MSC performer Ross Lindsay and scored his 17th goal of the season in the 32nd minute to cut the deficit to one before halftime.
"That goal was huge," said Preston. "We needed to pick up a goal with the wind coming against us and I think knowing we would have the wind behind us in the second half let us know we were going to have a good chance."
That good chance turn into a great chance in the second half and the Tigers started clicking on all cylinders. Guilherme Fanck scored his 11th and 12th goals of the season in the 47th and 54th minutes, respectively, to give the Tigers their first lead, 3-2. Rickard Hallin and Shane Buchanan picked up assists.
Lindsay capped off the victory with his fifth goal of the season in the 66th minute, putting Campbellsville ahead 4-2.
"I am very proud of the guys and all they have accomplished this year," said Preston. "We are glad to be going to the national tournament but this isn't our goal. We want more than just making the tournament."
Goalkeeper Gonzalo Sapena allowed the two goals early but registered seven saves in the final 76-plus minutes.
More information about travel and brackets will be updated tomorrow night, Sunday, Nov. 22 at www.CampbellsvilleTigers.com.
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