Nov. 21, 2005

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - In Lindsey Wilson University's 12th appearance in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship, the Blue Raiders advanced to their seventh title match after defeating Southern Nazarene University in a 2-1 overtime thriller at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Soccer Stadium.

Lindsey Wilson will face Azusa Pacific on Tuesday, November 22 at 7 p.m. in the championship match.  Azusa is making its first appearance in the title match after shutting out Hastings (Neb.) 4-0 in the other semifinal match. This is a rematch of last year's NAIA Championship quarterfinal match which saw LWC win 4-3 on PKs after a 1-1 draw following the two overtime sessions.

The game marked the Blue Raiders 10th semifinal match in 12 appearances.  Lindsey Wilson, which has captured six national championships and four consecutive from 1998-2001, has never lost a title match.

Both LWC and SNU put on a remarkable display of defense allowing just five shots apiece in the first half, but neither squad was able to convert.  

In the 65th minute, Daniel Agina put Southern Nazarene on the board first when he launched a 20-yard half volley from the top of the "D" that landed in the back of the net putting the Crimson Storm up 1-0 and Lindsey Wilson down for the first time in the tournament.    

After 10 unsuccessful shots on goal, Blue Raider forward Igor Stijepic finally broke through SNU's defensive wall, and nailed the equalizing goal at the 81:42 mark following two consecutive saves SNU goalkeeper David Eguren on strikes by Fausey Rodriguez and Eduardo Cinel.

To make matters worse for the Crimson Storm, Agina was given a yellow card at the 82:19 mark and then just 23 seconds later was booked for a second yellow and was sent off with the red at the 82:49 mark.

Agina's ejection certainly inspired the attack for Lindsey Wilson with an offensive onslaught with four shots in the final minute of regulation, but the Blue Raiders were unable to capitalize sending the match into overtime.

Just 1:14 into overtime, after receiving a pass from Adam Howard, Cinel dribbled down the ride side of the field and served a perfect ball to Ryan Stewart who headed home the game-winning goal.

Although allowing two goals, Eguren recorded an impressive 13 saves with 11 coming in the second half alone.

Southern Nazarene University heads back to Oklahoma 19-2-1, after being handed just their second loss of the season.  The match marks their first Final Four in school history and their fifth appearance in the National tournament.

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