KISSIMMEE, Fla.– The Campbellsville University men's soccer entered their semifinal match of the NCCAA Championship against Columbia International University Friday evening. Despite their three goal lead at the half, the Tigers could not withstand the Rams and their season ended, 12-8-1 overall.
From the opening moments of the match, it was apparent that neither team would gain the win easily. Both teams' defense was challenged by the other making it hard for any offensive plays to be made. In the first ten minutes of competition, both teams was allowed a free kick. However, neither team capitalized. Campbellsville had only taken one shot compared to Columbia International's three shots as the 27th minute rolled around.
Gustav Oskarsson cashed in the initial goal of the match as he received a long pass from
Antonio Quinta. Quinta's deep cross allowed Oskarsson to head the ball in the far post. Oskarsson doubled back to take another shot but just missed wide. In the 31st minute,
Harry Freeman went to take a shot, but the goalie saved it. Freeman's shot rebounded, and he passed the ball to Oskarsson. Oskarsson tallied his second goal of the night to put the Tigers ahead 2-0. Moments later,
Sebastiano Musu added another goal to the Campbellsville lead as Oskarsson sent over a pass his way. The first 45 minutes of the match rewarded the Tigers with a 3-0 score.
Campbellsville had warmed up midway through the first half. The Tigers had taken eight total shots, six of which were on goal. Columbia International University had only taken four shots with zero shots on goal.
The Rams came into the second half ready to retaliate their deficit. Columbia International wasted little time and found relief in the 50th minute aquiring their first goal. With 33 minutes to go, Columbia International found another score to reign in their shortfall to just a single succesful strike. Campbellsville fouled the Rams in the 68
th minute, which allowed them a chance at a penalty kick. The Rams evened the score after a three-goal discrepancy. As three minutes remained, Campbellsville received the chance of a free kick. As the ball was sent over, Oskarsson headed the ball in for a game-winning goal. However, the officials called offsides on the Tigers, and the score remained 3-3. Neither team could solidify another goal before entering overtime.
Overtime consisted of traded shots from both the Tigers and the Rams. The Rams had taken more shots than the Tigers. As two minutes remained in overtime, Columbia International sprinted downfield to shoot the ball passed the Tiger's goalie. In the last minute of the match, Campbellsville was awarded two corner kicks but could not solidify an additional goal. The Tigers fell to the Rams 4-3 in their final match.
On the 2022 season, the Tigers accomplished a 12-8-1 record. Amongst the Tigers, there were several stat leaders. Musu led the team in goals as he tallied 11 and Oskarsson followed suit with eight goals.
Christian Hauge amassed 65 saves during the season.
