Score: No. 4 Keiser 3, No. 1 Thomas 3   PK 5-4
Records: Keiser (8-4-4), No. 15 Thomas (14-3-2)
Location: TU Soccer Complex, Thomasville, GA
 
The Keiser University men's soccer team stunned Sun Conference Regular Season Champions and No. 15 Thomas University Nighthawks in penalty kicks to advance to the Sun Conference Championship game. The Seahawks will await their opponent and location of Friday's game.

Turning Point
With nine seconds remaining in regulation and Thomas leading 3-2, Amine Meski was fouled just outside the box. The Seahawks then sent a free kick into the box that bounced around and fell to the foot of Alessandra Giammattei who beat the keeper to the near post.

How it Happened

• The home team jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead when Juan Figueroa scored his first of three goals when he struck the ball from just outside the 18 yard box.
• Aaron Molloy knotted the game at 1-1 in the 30th minute when headed in a cross to the upper far post off a cross from Alex Babiolakis.
• The Seahawks took their first lead in the 68th minute on a penalty kick by Reece Weldon. However, the Nighthawks needed just 30 seconds to equalize on a Juan Figueroa goal.
• Figueroa completed the hat trick in the 72nd minute putting Thomas back in front 3-2 but it was Giammattei's goal in the 89th minute that changed the momentum.
• Neither team broke through in the overtime periods despite Keiser holding a 4-2 edge on shots.
• In penalty kicks, the first four shooters from each team converted setting up the final taker.
• Keiser's Nicolas Gomez dove to his right and made the save. Diego Menendez then stepped up and blasted the ball into the back of the net sending the Seahawks through to the championship game.

Game Notes

• The Seahawks will be looking for their first Sun Conference Championship since 2008.
• Molloy, Weldon, Thomas Dawson, Jaime Segura, Menendez all converted their penalty kicks.
• Weldon now holds the single season assists record with 12.
• This is the second time this year that Keiser has defeated an NAIA top 25 team.
• Gomez made his collegiate debut in goal when he entered for Lee Clark during overtime.
• Keiser is on a four match unbeaten streak heading into the championship game.

 
By the Numbers
Keiser:
Shots:  19
Shots on Goal: 9
Corner Kicks: 5
Saves:  4
 
Thomas
Shots:  20
Shots on Goal: 7
Corner Kicks: 8
Saves:  6
 
Up Next
The Seahawks will play the winner of Florida Memorial and St. Thomas on Friday in the Sun Conference Championship game.