LAKELAND, Fla. – Fire freshmen
Jake Van Der Luit and
Luke Marchesani stepped up in a big way this afternoon in a Sun Conference semifinal overtime victory over the Seahawks of Keiser University, 2-1.
"Two freshmen got us into the final," said Coach
Clay Roberts. "The qualities that they possess as freshmen are tremendous and I'm proud of them for stepping up and playing above their years."
Jake Van Der Luit buried the golden goal in the 7
th minute of overtime with a header into the upper 90.
Gerritson Craane had the assist with an airborne service from the left side.
The Fire were down 1-0 at half after a Seahawk goal in the 16
th minute, but Marchesani found the back of the net with the equalizer in the 60
th minute off a keeper deflection.
"It's kind of been a storybook season, so this is a new feeling for everybody and it did take us a little bit to get going in the game," said Coach
Clay Roberts. "Once we settled down and started to get into our rhythm the game started to change for us."
The Fire outshot the Seahawks 16-7 and freshman keeper
Jorge Navarrete had two saves.
"I'm really proud of our boys in sticking to exactly how we wanted them to play. The goal was going to come if we executed and that's what happened."
With the win, the Fire advance to The Sun Conference Championship match against St. Thomas University after their victory over Thomas last night. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the SEU Soccer Complex.
The winner of tomorrow evening's match will advance to the NAIA National Tournament.
