December 01, 2021 | Men's Soccer
Men's Soccer advances to NCCAA National Championship Semifinal Round knocking off Bethesda 2-0
KISSIMMEE, FLA. - CIU men's soccer played their final pool play game of the NCCAA National Championship Wednesday afternoon against the No. 6 seeded Bethesda University (Calif.). The match was the first-ever meeting between the two squads that hail from opposite sides of the United States. The Rams played stifling defense like they have all season and will move forward to the semifinal round with a 2-0 win over the Flames.
Scoring Summary:
Romulo Barreto has been consistent for the Rams offensively for the entirety of this year, leading the team in scoring till this point. Today was just another day at the office for the senior as he would score one of the Ram's goals and assist on the other in the win. The first goal for CIU would come on a short cross in the box by
Romulo Barreto, where
Bryan Molina would play the ball into the net at the 8:44 mark in the first half. The Rams would hold down the fort defensively, not allowing a tying goal in the first period as CIU took a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Barreto's scored a goal of his own in the second half as the Flames fouled CIU in the box resulting in a penalty kick in which Barreto would sneak past the Bethesda keeper. The goal gives him a team-high 11 goals this season. The Rams also posted their tenth shutout of the year with goalkeeper,
Hazel Ley, playing a huge role with four saves.
What Coach Bill Brindley is saying:
"Really proud of the guys today. They showed tremendous discipline and were able to grind out another gritty win. Our attention is now turned to Friday when we will play one of the final four teams."
Up Next:
The Rams advance to the semifinal round, held on Friday, Dec. 3, with the opponent and time dependent on how the rest of pool play shakes out.
