MSOC
1
Grace Christian University GCU (10-7-3)
2
Winner Pensacola Christian College PCC (9-5-5)
Grace Christian University GCU
(10-7-3)
1
Final
2
Pensacola Christian College PCC
(9-5-5)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Grace Christian University GCU 0 1 1
Pensacola Christian College PCC 0 2 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Braden Mottor

Eagles Rally Late for 2-1 Victory in National Tournament Opener

Match Recap:
To open their 2025 National Tournament, the Eagles drew a matchup with the #6 ranked Grace Christian University Tigers. Holding a historical record of 4-1-1 against the Tigers, the Eagles looked to secure a fifth win in the series, but more importantly a crucial victory in their opening pool play match of the tournament. After a scoreless first half and a 0-1 deficit in the 71st minute, the Eagles surged late with back-to-back goals in the closing 10 minutes to complete the comeback and earn a dramatic 2-1 win.
 
The match began with both squads settling into the moment of the National Tournament. Grace generated the first threat of the night with an early shot on goal, but Hixson handled it cleanly. From that point forward, the Eagles took control of possession and dictated the pace throughout the opening period. Outshooting the Tigers 12-2 in the first half, the Eagles consistently found opportunities to break through. Clarke nearly found the opener with 17 minutes left, cutting centrally and driving a low shot toward the corner before the Grace keeper corralled it. In the final six minutes of the half, Ndayisaba created three quickfire chances with one coming from nearly 30 yards out and the other two coming off a free kick just outside the box. None of the attempts found the back of the net and the match entered halftime tied 0-0.
 
The Eagles came out of the break in full attack mode and outshot Grace 7-0 in the first 26 minutes of the second half. Despite the pressure, it was the Tigers who struck first. On just their third shot attempt of the night, a well-placed corner kick led to a volley driven into the net for a 1-0 Grace advantage in the 71st minute.
 
Knowing an equalizer was essential, the Eagles intensified their attack and in the 81st minute the breakthrough finally came. Clarke attempted a through-ball into the attacking third that deflected off the hand of a Tiger defender inside the box, which awarded the Eagles a penalty kick. Samir Vieira Siqueira stepped up with confidence and buried the PK into the bottom right corner to level the match at 1-1.
 
The Eagles were not playing for a draw and they continued to push for the winning goal. In the 86th minute, they found it. A long ball by freshman Jameson Bryant along with pressure from Angel Pietri-Garcia created chaos in the box. The loose ball landed at the feet of sophomore Justin Loveland who created space with a quick sequence of moves and ripped a left-footed strike into the net for the game-winning goal. The Eagles managed possession in the final moments and when the final whistle sounded, they had secured a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory to open pool play.
 
What's Next:
Tomorrow night, the Eagles look to carry their momentum into a matchup with #7 ranked Faith Baptist Bible College. With the two programs never meeting previously, the Eagles will look to claim their second pool play win in as many attempts and earn their first ever victory over the Faith Eagles.
 
Stay updated on the Eagles' postseason by following @eaglespccmsoc on Instagram. For full coverage of all PCC Eagles teams, events, and schedules, follow @eaglespcc on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.