MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Soccer team faced off with the 14th-ranked Running Eagles of Life University in the 2022 SSAC Men's Soccer Championship on Saturday night, Nov. 11, and fell 3-1 in the title match. The win for Life hands the conference's newest member their first conference championship in program history in just their first appearance in the final. The loss for Mobile is just the third of the season as both Mobile and Life will be two of 40 participants to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament, with the first and second rounds slated to begin next week.
Mobile Allows Three Unanswered
After the possession battle went both ways through the first 45 minutes of play in the conference championship match, both teams saw a 0-0 score at halftime. Through the first half, Mobile and Life combined for 10 total shots, with zero being on frame. Mobile out-shot the Running Eagles 6-4 in the first half.
In the second half, Mobile quickly notched the match's first goal just two minutes in. Chiedu Ikeme notched the game's first score, just his fourth goal of the season, as Mobile took the lead, 1-0. Ikeme was fresh off the bench for Mobile, getting the second half start from Mobile Head Coach Daniel Whelan after not touching the field in the first half. Ikeme's goal was assisted by Zacharia Hasler.
Following Mobile's goal, Life quickly answered two and a half minutes later and tied the match in the 50th minute. From there, Life's defense held Mobile in check, while the Running Eagles offense pushed across two more goals in the second half.
The Rams managed to take 10 shots alone in the second half, but only put one in net. Overall, Mobile out-shot Life, 16-12.
Cards played an issue for Mobile in the conference title match as Whelan saw five of his Rams earn cards, including a red card to Zacharia Hasler with just two seconds remaining in the match. The frustrating loss drops Mobile's overall record to 14-3-1 ahead of the national tournament.
Rams Look Ahead
Due to Mobile earning a host bid for the first and second rounds of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament, Mobile will continue their 2022 season next week as the team will host three other programs at the Jungle. The winner of the first and second rounds at the Jungle will be one of 10 teams to advance to the final site of the national championship tournament.
Participating teams and start times are to be officially announced by the NAIA on Monday, Nov. 14.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
