MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (November 17, 2022) - The NAIA Men's Soccer National Tournament began with 20 First Round matchups at 10 different host institutions on Thursday. St. Thomas University Men's Soccer (10-1-5) was among the 40-teams that took the field in search for the Red Banner. The Bobcats are seeded No. 1 in the Miami Gardens Bracket and took on the No. 4 seeded Embry-Riddle Arizona Eagles (16-4-1) on AuroNation Field and took the first round matchup 4-0.
St. Thomas started out a aggressive and with tons of offensive pressure. Although three offsides were called within the first 15 minutes, Facundo Cisterna was able to breakthrough and get one in the back of the net. A cross from Hernando Suárez placed perfectly ahead to Cisterna was able to give STU a 1-0 lead on the one-on-one against the Eagles keeper.
Felipe Madero joined in on the action with a goal of his own in the 23rd minute this time he got the solo action with a beautiful through ball from Guido Cacciabue. This made it 2-0 St. Thomas.
Nicolas Bertuleit made it a hat trick first half for the Bobcats scoring the third goal in the 37th minute. Bertuleit received a cross in the box from Suarez and was able to get a crossbody shot and struck on the right side of the net.
Franco Acerbi and Juan Manuel Collazo continued to hold down the defense this time against a very aggressive Eagle offense. ERAU had seven shots with five on goal in the first half and that was all of the offense they could come up with. Acerbi had five saves on the day and shut down three corner kick opportunities for the Eagles
Soeren Zeidler had the final touch scoring in a direct free kick just outside the penalty box. Zeidler chipped it over the wall and to the top right corner freezing the Eagle keeper as he just watched it go by and their season come to an end.
St. Thomas had their 12th shutout of the season as Acerbi picks up his 11th clean sheet.
The Bobcats will now advance to the second round and host a familiar foe in No. 3 seeded Florida National. The Conquistadors upset the two seeded Life Running Eagles stunning them 4-2. The second round is set to kickoff Saturday, November 19 at 12 p.m. from AutoNation Field. Winner will advance to the final site in Decatur, Alabama.
-STU-
