General 11/17/2023 8:45:00 PM Braden Mottor

The Eagles are Championship Bound

Game Recap:
After a dominant win in their first nationals match, the Eagles faced a more difficult challenge in their final pool play match of the tournament. Facing Grace Christian University, the Eagles felt comfortable with an early 2-0 lead but got a reality check when Grace tied it up later in the match. Ultimately, the Eagles pulled out the victory and punched their ticket into the 2023 National Championship game.

After the first 30 minutes of the game, neither team was willing to give up the first goal. With rain steadily falling and winds constantly blowing, the conditions made for an eventful match. However, in the 34^th minute, it was sophomore Reid Rhodes who elevated above all off the corner kick from Chase Hawkins. With a beautiful header that found the back of the net giving the Eagles a 1-0 lead. As the half neared its end, with just 2:34 left Niwe Mugeni found an open Lourenco Goncalves who netted his eleventh goal of the season with a beautiful strike to the bottom right corner. With a 2-0 lead at the half, the Eagles were confident in their advancing into the National Championship game.

Although the Eagles held a dominant 2-0 lead, in the 54^th minute, Grace found themselves earning a PK. Nathan Davis from the Tigers stepped up and buried his PK opportunity and brought Grace Christian back into the match. With one PK being taken, Grace once again found another PK in the 82^nd minute of the match. Stepping up to the spot once again was Nathan Davis, although on this attempt Hammond was able to get a tip on the ball the Tigers tied the game 2-2 with just under 8 minutes to go in the match. With a new-found level of nervousness, the Eagles had to regain the lead to ensure their advance to the championship game. With a beautiful drive and cross, Reid Rhodes found the crashing foot of Samuel Barragan who scored his second goal of the tournament at the most crucial of moments! With a 3-2 lead and just over 5 minutes remaining, the Eagles defended their way into the National Championship game.

What's Next:
Tomorrow at 2:30 PM, the Eagles will be playing in their fourth National Championship game. And for the first time in program history, the Eagles will be facing Boyce College in this match. Previously this season, the Eagles faced Boyce College and tied that match 0-0… in the National Championship game, a tie is not going to be enough. One will be crowned the 2023 National Champions!

If you would like to keep up with the Eagles' National Tournament progress, follow @eaglespccmsoc on Instagram. For complete coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Players Mentioned

#8 Chase Hawkins: M; 6' 1"; Sophomore

#1 Bryce Hammond: GK; 6' 0"; Junior

#3 Niwe Mugeni: F; 5' 10"; Junior

#9 Lourenco Goncalves: F; 6' 2"; Junior

#10 Samuel Barragan: MF; 5' 9"; Senior

#16 Reid Rhodes: F; 6' 0"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#8 Chase Hawkins
: 6' 1"; Sophomore
: M

#1 Bryce Hammond
: 6' 0"; Junior
: GK

#3 Niwe Mugeni
: 5' 10"; Junior
: F

#9 Lourenco Goncalves
: 6' 2"; Junior
: F

#10 Samuel Barragan
: 5' 9"; Senior
: MF

#16 Reid Rhodes
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: F