THE JUNGLE | MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Men's Soccer team delivered a commanding performance in the first round of the SSAC Men's Soccer Championship Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 31, defeating Blue Mountain Christian University (Miss.) 6-1 at the Jungle as this year's top seed in the SSAC. The Rams' big victory improves the overall record to 15-2-1 on the year and advances the Rams to Montgomery, Ala. for the semifinals of this year's conference tourney next week.
Strong Start Sets the Tone
The Rams wasted no time establishing their lead on Thursday as Mobile capitalized on an own goal by Blue Mountain just four minutes into the match. Mobile then maintained pressure on the Toppers, consistently pushing into Blue Mountain's defensive zone. The Rams' persistence paid off with a second goal by Emilio Cazares in the 29th minute, sending the Rams into halftime with a 2-0 lead. Mobile controlled the tempo throughout the first half, out-shooting Blue Mountain 9-0 through the first 45 minutes.
Mobile returned to the field with the same energy in the second half, continuing their offensive surge. In the 56th minute, Henrique Luro Mendes found the net with an assist from the corner from Noah Miller, bringing the score to 3-0. Blue Mountain struggled to gain ground, and Mobile's defense remained unyielding. The Rams extended their lead further with a second goal from Cazares in the 70th minute, assisted by Joseph McMahon. Cazares now has 21 goals on the year, nine coming in the last five matches played. He sits just 11 goals shy of matching the single season record at Mobile.
Minutes later, Joseph McMahon scored a goal of his own in the 73rd minute, adding to his already impactful performance on Thursday. Mobile's relentless attack didn't stop there; McMahon assisted Adam Byzdra, who scored in the 76th minute, pushing the lead to 6-0.
Despite Mobile's overwhelming lead, Blue Mountain Christian continued to fight and managed to score a consolation goal in the 83rd minute, avoiding the shutout. From there, the match went final 6-1 in favor of the Rams.
Inside the Box Score
The Rams tallied a 21-3 shot differential on Thursday, with Joseph McMahon pacing the team with five shots and Emilio Cazares following with four. Mobile also dominated in corner kicks, leading 12-2, which allowed numerous set-piece opportunities. On the defensive side, Mobile maintained discipline, conceding only the one goal late in the match. Goalkeeper Ty Turner was well-protected, with no saves required during the win.
Mobile's leading players showcased a balanced and effective offensive strategy. Cazares led with two goals, while McMahon contributed significantly with a goal and two assists, underscoring his pivotal role in Mobile's attack.
Semifinals Up Next
This strong start in the SSAC Tournament gives the Rams momentum entering next week where Mobile will face the winner of the Life University (Ga.) v. UT-Southern (Tenn.) match next Thursday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m. CT. The semifinals will be held at the Emory-Folmar YMCA Complex in Montgomery, Ala., and will be aired live on SSAC.TV.
FOLLOW THE RAMS
For complete coverage of the University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams ("X" FKA Twitter), and @umobilerams (Instagram), or visit the official home of the University of Mobile Athletic Department at https://umobilerams.com/.
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.
