SCHEEL'S STRYKER SPORTS COMPLEX | WICHITA, KAN. - The 2023 campaign came to an end for the University of Mobile Men's Soccer team on Monday afternoon, Nov. 27 after the Rams fell 4-2 in penalty kicks to Milligan University (Tenn.) in the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament. Mobile (15-2-3) and Milligan (17-2-4) worked a 1-1 double overtime draw in Monday's Round of 16 matchup, playing 110 total minutes at the indoor facility of Scheel's Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kan.
Following the double overtime period, Milligan recorded a perfect 4-for-4 line in shootout attempts, while Mobile only managed to score two of four penalty kick opportunities. Milligan's 4-2 edge in PK's over Mobile advances the Buffaloes to the quarterfinals of the national tournament, while the Rams make the trek home to Mobile, Ala. following elimination.
Game Notes / Highlights
- The Rams, led by 10th-year head coach Daniel Whelan, were playing back at the NAIA Men's Soccer Final Site after finishing as the NAIA National Championship Runners-up in both 2021 and 2022.
- Mobile had a good chance off the set piece from 45 yards out; As the ball was flicked into the box, Zacharia Hasler took the short range attempt but was stopped by the Milligan goalkeeper.
- On the counter, the Buffs were able to take advantage of the secondary break and Santiago Corral sunk the game's first goal; with the ball playing into the box form the right wing, the Milligan forward kept the defender at bay and rocketed it in off his right foot to the far post.
- Zacharia Hasler had been hunting for a goal all day and finally got the equalizer on the far post volley from the top of the 18-yard box just 38 seconds later to tie the game at 1-1.
- After 90 minutes of play and in just the second match of the Round of 16, the Buffaloes and Rams headed into the two 10-minute overtime periods.
- After both overtimes went scoreless, the squads headed into a penalty shootout to decide a victor – the first since 2021 when Mobile bested Indiana Tech 0-0 (2OT) 4-3 in PK's in Decatur, Ala.
- In the shootout, Milligan went first and took a 1-0 edge by Simen Haraldstad before goalkeeper Adria Alles made a key stop on Mobile's first attempt.
- After Kai Slinn put the Buffs up 4-2 in PK's, Alles' save of the shot from Mobile's Samuel Mutiri sent them through to the quarterfinals.
- For the 110 minutes of field play, Mobile out-shot the opposition 21-5, led by Hasler with seven shots, but hard-nosed defending and eight saves from Alles proved to be the difference.
- Mobile's 2023 season ends with the Rams sporting a 15-2-3 overall record.
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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.
