KISSIMMEE, FLA. - CIU men's soccer took on No. 3 seed Judson University (Ill.) in the semifinal round of this year's NCCAA DI Men's Soccer National Championship Friday afternoon. In their two pool play games, the Rams went undefeated to earn the No. 2 seed for the remaining games. The Rams aimed to reach the final round of the NCCAA National Championship for the first time in program history but fell short to Judson University 1-0. The 2021 CIU men's soccer team finishes the season as the winningest team in program history with a final record of 19-4. 

Friday afternoon's game between the Rams and the Eagles was a back and forth contest. Both teams got off 14 shots, but the Eagles edged the Rams with shots on goal with five compared to the Rams four. The first half ended in a draw with neither team able to find the back of the net.

After several missed opportunities for both squads, Judson would play in what proved to be the game-winner at the 77:39 minute mark. The Eagles' Martin Wainstein was the hero who provided the goal sending Judson to the national championship game. 

Hazel Ley played inspirational even in the Rams loss, recording four huge saves throughout the game.  Rafael Carneiro recorded a whopping six shots two of which were on goal as the Rams' second-leading goal-scorer came up empty on all six attempts. 

Head Coach Bill Brindley commented on the outcome and his team saying, "This team came together so well since starting in August and I'm proud of that. I know they are disappointed about losing out after coming so far, we all are. But it's because we believed in each other so intensely. Because of those qualities, this group will come back better."

The Rams' unprecedented season will come to a close in Kissimmee but will stand out for many seasons to come in CIU athletics' history.