Game Information
Score: Keiser 1, Thomas 1, 7-6 PK's
Records: Keiser (8-4-1), Thomas (8-7-3)
Arrigo Vecello Field | West Palm Beach, Fla.
The Sun Conference Semifinals
 
The Seahawks men's soccer team advanced to the Sun Conference Tournament Championship game after defeating Thomas University in penalty kicks. After regulation and both overtime periods ended with a score of 1-1, the Seahawks outshot the Nighthawks 7-6 to take the contest in PK's.

Turning Point
The turning point in today's contest came in the 85^th minute when Sam Eyes netted the tying goal that sent the game into overtime and potentially penalty kicks. Eyes goals was unassisted and made the score, 1-1.


How It Happened

• The lone goal of the opening half came off the foot of Amine Meski in the tenth minute of play. The senior capitalized on a misplay by the Night Hawks keeper and put his shot into the far post.
• Thomas had a chance to equalize in the 79^th minute, but Lee Clark made a huge diving save to keep the advantage in favor of Keiser.
• However, the Night Hawks finally knotted the contest at one-apiece with their unassisted goal in the 85^th minute of play.
• In the first overtime period, Luca Bargiggia had an opportunity to win the game but Thomas's goalkeeper made a clutch diving save.
• Bargiggia had the best scoring chance in the second overtime with four minutes left, but his shot went just wide of the post.

 
Penalty Kick Moment By Moment

• Sophomore, Nicolas Gomez, coming off the bench for penalty kicks came up huge with a diving save to his right, denying Thomas's Billy Jeffrey.
• Thomas Dawson then stepped up to give the Seahawks a 1-0 advantage.
• The next two takers for both teams converted their attempts, giving Keiser a 3-2 lead.
• After Sam Eyes placed his shot in the left side of the net, the Seahawks Ahmet Brown's attempt was denied, tying it at 3-3.

• Following a save from each keeper, the next three shooters for each side scored their sudden death attempt. Simon Said, Alex Babiolakis, and Jake Stanton scored for the Seahawks in that stretch.
• Thomas' Nicola Monelli's shot attempt to the right was thwarted by Gomez, setting up the game-winner opportunity for Keiser.
• Freshman, Randy Obiukwu sealed the game for the Seahawks, notching the game-winner.

 
Game Notes

• This is the second straight year that these two teams have gone into penalty kicks during the semifinals.
• The Seahawks are now 3-0-1 on the year in 11 AM games and 5-1-1 at home.
• For the first time in program history, the Seahawks are competing in back-to-back TSC Championship game.
• KU held a 5-4 edge in shots on goal but were outshot in the game, 14-10.
• Mesi, Bargiggia, and Gontzal Balaguer had two shots apiece.
• Lee Clark made three saves in goal.

 
By The Numbers
Keiser
Shots: 10
Shots on Goal:5
Corner Kicks: 6
Saves: 3
 
Thomas
Shots: 14
Shots on Goal: 4
Corner Kicks: 4
Saves: 4

Coach's Corner
Head Coach Gavin Oldham said "That's not the way we drew it up, but this time of the season a win is a win, and we survived and advanced. I felt like the first half we controlled the game pretty comfortably. The second half wasn't as comfortable, as they were threatening too much. Credit to Nico for coming off the bench and making some huge penalty saves. Now we rest and wait to see who we play in the final. I also want to thank all of the fans who showed up today, the support was amazing."

Up Next
It'll be a rematch of the 2016 Sun Conference Championship game against top overall seed and No. 13 St. Thomas. The game will be played in Miami Gardens with a kickoff time of 7:30 p.m.