LAKELAND, Fla. - St. Thomas (11-5, 7-2 TSC) clinched a spot in The Sun Conference Championship with today's victory over No. 21 Thomas (Ga.).  The Bobcats prevailed through a tough defensive struggle with a 1-0 decision over the Nighthawks.  Nico Sobanski's goal in the 57th minute proved to be the game winner.

St. Thomas was not able to generate any decent looks in the first half.  Most of their attempts were high or wide.  The busiest Bobcat happened to be keeper Deljan Bregasi.  Bregasi had to contend with three on-target attacks.  Each time the Nighthawks came away with nothing, an important narrative that would continue throughout the match.

The stout defensive play continued in the second half.  Such a game presents the need to capitalize on any breaks that fall your way.  The Bobcats would do just that 12 minutes into the second frame.  In the midst of a scramble five yards out, Sobanski finished off a loose ball from Victor Cortez.

Thomas put their best foot forward to ensure that Sobanski's goal would not be the difference maker.  Much to their chagrin, Bregasi was there each time to stop them.  Bregasi came up with four huge saves in the second, including two in a crazy sequence in which the Nighthawks got two cracks at the net inside the box.

The match's final stats exemplify just how pivotal Bregasi's seven-save performance was in today's tilt.  The Bobcats were only able to create 11 shot opportunities, and only three of those were on target.  Contrastly, seven of the Nighthawks 15 shots were on line.  With such few opportunities for St. Thomas and a pressing Thomas offense, the Bobcats needed every Bregasi stoppage to eke out a victory.

The Bobcats await the winner of the match between Southeastern (Fla.) and Keiser (Fla.).  The Bobcats dropped their lone match against the Fire 3-0, while they split their two games against the Seahawks.  The Sun Conference Championship will be played on Monday at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.  Kick-off time will be determined after tomorrow's other semifinal.