General 11/4/2023 7:00:00 PM Braden Mottor

Eagles Are the 2023 South Region Champions

Game Recap:
After falling short of the Region Championship last season in the championship game to BJU the Eagles began the day attempting to rewrite the story of last year… and they did! Although the game was a true back-and-forth match, the Eagles were able to pull out the win and regain the title of 'South Region Champion'.

Early in the match, the Eagles came out aggressive taking two early shots inside the first eight minutes of the game. With an attempted clearance by the BJU defender, Niwe Mugeni was able to deflect the clearance. The ball landed perfectly into the possession of Lourenco Goncalves who took a beautiful chip shot over the Bob Jones goalkeeper that carried into the back corner of the net. Just over a minute later the Bruins put a shot on frame but Bryce Hammond was able to record one of his six saves to keep the Eagles in the lead.

After the second half began the teams continued to alternate shots and save. After a cross from Goncalves, Chase Hawkins chipped a shot to the top corner of the net. With an incredible diving save from the BJU keeper, Reid Rhodes had a wide-open net and was able to capitalize on the opportunity and give the Eagles a 2-0 lead with just under 36 minutes remaining in the championship match.

As the final seconds ticked away the Bruins took a last-second shot that missed wide, and as the refs blew the whistle to end the match the Eagles were able to celebrate their return to the winner circle of the 2023 South Region Championship!

What's Next:
Now, the Eagles await the standings for the national tournament. As the number two team in the country and with their defeat of the number one team in the country, the Eagles should enter the tournament as the top team in the country!

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

Players Mentioned

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

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

#8 Chase Hawkins: MF; 6' 1"; Junior

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

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

Players Mentioned

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

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

#8 Chase Hawkins
: 6' 1"; Junior
: MF

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

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