Dec. 3, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. – (box score) No. 1 seed Oklahoma City University survived another double overtime thriller, this time against No. 8 seed Hastings (Neb.) College and took a 2-1 victory in the fourth Quarterfinal game at the 50^th Annual NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship at the final site, hosted by Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University. Oklahoma City advances to play unseeded Bethel (Tenn.) College in the Semifinals on Friday (Dec. 5) at 5 p.m. PST.

The Stars got to the Quarterfinal Round courtesy of a 2-1 double-overtime marathon over host school, Fresno Pacific on Monday (Dec. 1). With tonight’s victory, OCU is earning its first trip ever to the Championship Semifinal.

Mark Nave picked up his second goal of the year, with this one coming in the 35^th minute, to hand Hastings a 1-0 edge. Yannic Thiel assisted on the shot. Oklahoma City’s Brandon Hull headed in the tying marker, which was made possible on a corner kick from Stuart Hilton. That goal was Hull’s second on the year. In the 69^th minute, the score was tied at 1-1.

Both teams could not find the net until the 109^th minute. OCU set up a corner kick, which was taken by John Dill. His cross went into the box and Hastings’ Mark Nave attempted to clear the pass. However, the ball flipped up and behind him and went into the goal for an OCU “own goal.”

Andy Fitzpatrick notched the victory in the net by saving eight Bronco shots.

Hastings ends its season with a 19-4-1 record.

For more information on the 2008 National Championship, click here.