Box Score
KISSIMMEE, FL - Facing Providence College in the opening round of the NCCAA National Tournament, the Crimson Eagle men's soccer team found themselves in the middle of an all-too familiar situation. Only this time, the result was reversed.
Having slipped past Lancaster Bible College in the East Region Championship in penalty kicks during their most recent affair a week and a half ago, PBU couldn't pull off the same magic on Wednesday, falling to the Freemen by a 4-3 count in PK's.
Holding a 2-0 edge midway through the second period, the Crimson Eagles saw a relentless Providence attack continue to jam the ball into the heart of PBU's defense as the Freemen eventually logged three scores - all within a 16 minute span - to take a 3-2 edge with 20 minutes remaining.
It took a miraculous Gary Bruce goal - his second of the game - off a through ball from rookie Cody Mosely to even things at three-apiece with time dwindling down.
When the whirlwind second frame finally came to a close 15 minutes later, the score stood at three-all where it remained deadlocked throughout two extra sessions as well, leading to the shootout finish.
Following two successful tries from both squads during the PK showdown, Providence keeper Kyle Perry made an enormous stop to give his group the temporary edge. However, PBU keeper Dave Shaffer - who's proven clutch time and time again this year - responded with a stop of his own, thwarting Derek Loeppky's rifle to the right corner.
Successful attempts from both shooters in the fourth round of the shootout set up for the deciding round in the fifth and final frame. Following a PBU miss - that clanked off the right post - Providence capitalized by inserting the game winning goal off the foot of junior Kaiten Critchlow.
The blast ended the 110 minute affair while simultaneously foiling the Crimson Eagles' plans for a national championship appearance.
Gary Bruce registered his 13th and 14th goals of the season in the loss, while third year midfielder Justin Hays capitalized on a PK attempt early in the second stanza.
Ranked fourth heading into the contest, Providence out shot the fifth ranked Crimson Eagles 19-10 for the game while maintaining a 6-4 edge in total corners.
The Crimson Eagles will look to bounce back on Thursday during a match up with eighth seeded Dallas Christian College at 5:00 pm.
