MOBILE, Ala. - For the second-straight season, the University of Mobile Men's Soccer program plays host to the first and second rounds of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament, with the top-seeded Rams of Mobile facing the University of California - Merced Thursday afternoon, Nov. 17 to kickoff this season's first-round action. The meeting between Mobile and the four-seed of UC-Merced on Thursday is the first meeting in history between the two programs as Mobile came away victorious 4-1 to advance to the second round. UC-Merced's 2022 season came to an end against Mobile with the loss.
The win for Mobile advances the Rams to the second round of the national tournament, set for Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Jungle beginning at 3:00 p.m. CT. Mobile improves to 15-3-1 overall on the season with the win.
How It Happened
Prior to Thursday afternoon's matchup with UC-Merced, Mobile Head Coach Daniel Whelan had high praise for the Bobcats, stating that he believes the opposition is severely underrated in the NAIA. UC-Merced entered Thursday with a 12-2-5 overall record, finishing as the runner-up in the California Pacific Conference Championship.
Through the beginning part of the first half, Mobile, who ranks No. 4 in the NAIA coming into Thursday, controlled possession of the ball and managed to threaten UC-Merced early. Mobile's press offense eventually allowed a huge mistake by the UC-Merced defense as the Bobcats netted Mobile's first goal of the night with an own goal in the 13th minute. Despite Mobile taking 11 shots through the first 45 minutes, the UC-Merced own goal was the only score of the first half for the Rams.
For the Bobcats, the latter part of the first half gave UC-Merced the confidence they needed against the Rams, eventually scoring an equalizing goal in the 35th minute. The match remained tied at the break, 1-1.
Coming out of halftime, Mobile made adjustments and similar to the first half, controlled possession early. However, Mobile managed to keep possession for the majority of the second half, only allowing six UC-Merced shots in the final 45 minutes. The Rams struggled to finish in the first half, allowing the match-tying goal in the 35th minute.
In the 63rd minute, Lucas Ros notched his team-leading 13th goal of the season, which eventually became the game-winner. Ros was defended well for much of the match, not recording a shot until his score in the 63rd minute. Mobile's 2-1 lead held until the final minute of the match where Mobile scored two more goals.
Mobile reserve Chiedu Ikeme put the match away with 30 seconds left with the Rams' third goal of the game, and Jose Sanabria followed, shooting a screamer past the UC-Merced goalkeeper for Mobile's fourth goal with two seconds remaining. The Rams came away with the win, 4-1.
Mobile starting goalkeeper Ty Turner faced six shots against UC-Merced, notching five saves. As a team, the Rams out-shot the Bobcats, 20-10.
On to the Second Round
Mobile will return to action this Saturday, Nov. 19 at 3:00 p.m. CT for a second-round match against the undefeated Warner Pacific Knights. Warner Pacific entered the Mobile bracket as the No. 2 seed and as the 21st-ranked team in the NAIA. The Knights are 19-0-3 on the season and will face the Rams on Saturday with a spot to the final site of the 2022 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament on the line.
The 10 winners of second-round matches this Saturday will compete in Decatur, Ala. from Nov. 29 - Dec. 5 for the 2022 NAIA Men's Soccer Red Banner.
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.
