The Bob Jones University Bruins edged out Randall University 2-1 to take home the NCCAA DII National Championship title. This is only the second time the Bruins have won the national title, with their last championship coming back in 2016. Today's win came after Victor Oladipo scored the game-winning goal in the 81st minute to secure the Bruins win against last year's National Champions.
When asked about the winning the championship, Head Coach Greg Fulton had just one word, "speechless."
He went on to say, "We give all honor to God. It was evident His hand was on us this season. I really don't have the words to describe this group of players. Every single guy on our roster has had a huge impact on winning this championship, and I could not be more proud. This is a very special group that will go down in Bruins history for a long time!"
The Bruins came into the title match undefeated in pool play with their latest 3-2 win coming against Manhattan Christian College on Thursday. #2 Randall University entered today's game after beating North Central University and Grace Christian University to advance out of pool play.
The two teams last met in the 2020 National Tournament where the Saints defeated the Bruins in double overtime to end their journey to a national championship.
From kickoff, the Bruins looked to control possession. As the game progressed and the Bruins hit their stride, they would have several scoring opportunities, but it wasn't until the 29th minute that the deadlock would be broken. The Bruins would earn a free kick in the offensive zone and as Mario Figueroa took the kick, Caleb Adams ran up the back side to strike the ball into the goal and give his team the 1-0 lead.
At the half, the Bruins and Saints would be even with 7 shots and 3 saves apiece, but it was the Bruins who held the lead.
The second half got off to a quick start. Randall University would get the ball and Edwin Towers would work around several Bruins defenders to create space and shoot a rocket from outside the 18 for the equalizer in the 48th minute.
Both sides looked to get the go ahead goal and made each goalkeeper make some outstanding saves to keep their teams in the game. But it was Victor Oladipo in the 81st minute that would break the tie. Jordan Crews sailed the ball across the field where Charley Gualajara would head it on frame where Oladipo was there to clean it up and give the Bruins the 2-1 lead.
At the conclusion of the match, Ian Arendse was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player and Victor Oladipo earned the Select Golden Ball Award. The Bruins had four players on the all-tournament team with Ian Arendse, Mario Figueroa, Chris Monczewski and Victor Oladipo earning the honors.
Coach Fulton said that this season's success was a group effort made possible by many people. "I am thankful to our amazing university, our incredible partners who invested in our program as well as Dr. Pettit and Dr. Ring for their support and my wife for her sacrifices to allow me to be here."
The Bruins saw their best season in program history come to a remarkable end with a South Region Championship and a national title, the first time the men's soccer team have been able to capture both in the same season.
"We made history. We made lifelong memories, and most importantly we got the job done. Congratulations Bruin Nation! Soli Deo Gloria."
