Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Christian Brothers University Athletics

MSOC24 VSO
1
AUM AUM (10-3-6, 7-3-2)
1
Christian Brothers CBU (10-3-4, 5-1-3)
AUM AUM
(10-3-6, 7-3-2)
1
Final
1
Christian Brothers CBU
(10-3-4, 5-1-3)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 OT 1 OT 2 OT 3 F
AUM AUM 1 0 0 0 0 1
Christian Brothers CBU 0 1 0 0 0 1

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | James Garcia, Assistant Director of Athletics for Communications

The Bucs bow out of the GSC Championship in penalties to AUM

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Christian Brothers University men's soccer clashed with Auburn-Montgomery in the semifinals of the GSC Championship at John Hunt Soccer Complex on Thursday night, ultimately concluding with a 1-1 draw after regulation and overtime, only for AUM to clinch the win in a tense shootout, 5-3. This high-stakes match highlighted CBU's resilient defense and pressing attack, but ultimately ended with AUM prevailing in penalties.

First Half: AUM's Early Control

The first half saw the Warhawks pushing the pace early on, showing assertiveness in the midfield and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. The breakthrough came at the 31:38 mark when Logan Roach scored off an in-swinging corner kick, exploiting a lapse in CBU's defense to take the lead. This was one of several corner kicks AUM utilized to maintain pressure on CBU's back line. CBU's goalkeeper, Vicent Sanchis Olmedo, had a busy half, making two saves to keep his team within striking distance.

Despite CBU's attempts to equalize, including multiple shots from Alexander Blanche, the Warhawks' William Blake stood tall in goal, making three crucial saves in the first half to secure their lead going into halftime.

Second Half: CBU Responds with Intensity

After the break, CBU wasted no time leveling the score. Just 1:32 into the second half, AJ Agbede capitalized on a quick play in the box, netting the equalizer at 46:32. This marked Agbede's first goal of the season, a timely contribution that shifted momentum in CBU's favor. Following the goal, the Bucs upped their offensive intensity, outshooting AUM with nine attempts in the second half compared to AUM's 10 total shots in regulation.

CBU's Phillip Jauch and Russell Brown were particularly active, with Jauch attempting four shots, two on target. However, CBU's efforts were thwarted by AUM's disciplined defense, which blocked shots and cleared dangerous balls effectively.

Overtime: Both Teams Press for the Win

The game moved into overtime, with each team struggling to find the winning goal. CBU managed five shots in the first overtime period, pushing AUM to defend rigorously. However, despite their high shot count, the Bucs could not convert, as Blake's four overtime saves kept the game level.

AUM managed only two shots across both overtime periods, signaling CBU's defensive strength.

The Shootout Drama

The Warhawks were first to the spot in the shootout. Their shooters displayed clinical precision and did not miss on any of their attempts. Meanwhile, AUM's Blake made a diving save to keep a well-struck shot out on CBU's second take. The Warhawks sealed the victory by converting their fifth penalty kick.

Key Performers

  • Vicent Sanchis Olmedo: Sanchis Olmedo was a key figure with four saves during regulation, showcasing quick reflexes, particularly in the first period when he denied a close-range attempt by AUM's Hoffman. Despite the eventual shootout loss, Sanchis Olmedo's performance was crucial in holding AUM to just one goal during regular play.
  • AJ Agbede: His goal early in the second half was critical, reigniting CBU's offensive push and proving the team's capability to respond under pressure as was the case all season.

Statistical Highlights

  • Total Shots: The Bucs edged out AUM with 28 shots compared to AUM's 25, reflecting their offensive aggression, especially in the second half and overtime.
  • Saves: Blake's eight saves for AUM highlighted his role as a reliable last line of defense.
  • Fouls: The match was physical, with CBU committing 10 fouls and AUM 16.

Conclusion

As the Bucs reflect on this result, they can take pride in their ability to control much of the game as unfortunate as the outcome was. The defeat does not take away from an incredible run that led them to this point in the postseason. CBU won six games, and went 11 matches unbeaten, on the way to the semifinals of the GSC Championship. The Bucs were ranked fifth in the South Region and were receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches National DII Poll going into the tournament. The momentum from this season will surely carry on to the next one as CBU men's soccer continues to rise. Up the Bucs!
 
Print Friendly Version