The Bruins capped off another memorable season as the team defeated #3 Grace Christian University 1-0 in the NCCAA DII National Championship match to capture their second straight national title. Hodari Twishme scored for the Bruins in the 85th minute which proved to be the difference maker as the Bruins stormed the field in celebration.
"This is a special group of guys," Bruins Head Coach Greg Fulton said. "They have worked so hard this year and consistently put in the effort all season. I am proud of them for their heart and their character willingness to compete. To God be the glory!"
The Bruins came into the match on the heels of back to back wins in pool play. The Bruins began the national tournament with a 3-2 win over #5 Crown College before shutting out #4 Randall University 2-0 on Thursday advancing them to the national championship.
Their opponent would be #3 Grace Christian University who came into the matchup with two wins in pool play. On Wednesday, the Tigers shutout #6 Kansas Christian College 4-0 before edging #2 Providence University College 1-0 on Thursday. The stage was set as both teams took the field knowing only one would walk off a champion.
In the opening minutes, the Bruins came out strong with good possession as they used good combination play to create chances in the attacking third. Ian Arendse, Gasheed Lareche and Rylan Boldt all found chances on frame but the team couldn't find the back of the net.
Defensively, the Bruins were able to keep the Tigers at bay as the defense held Grace Christian to just one shot in the half. Still, the first half ended as it began as the Bruins couldn't seem to find the scoring column despite outshooting the Tigers 11-1 in the half as the score remained 0-0.
In the second half, the Bruins came out and again were able to control the pace and possession of the game. The team was able to find good runs which opened up lanes for opportunities to score. Mario Figueroa had a chance on frame but again the Bruins couldn't seem to get a goal.
Coach Fulton went to his bench several times in the second half and continued to cycle in fresh legs for the team. Those subs proved effective as the Bruins finally broke the scoreless tie in the 85th minute. Sophomore Hodari Twishme rushed a Tigers defender in the attacking third and was able to take advantage of a broken play and bury a shot into the back of the net.
The stadium went crazy as the Bruin faithful celebrated a key goal with just moments left in the match. The Tigers then went on the offensive to try to find the equalizer but the Bruins defense again stood strong to prevent any serious threats. As a result, the Bruins would win their second straight national title as the final buzzer ended the match at 1-0.
"We just had to gut it out in this one," Coach Fulton said. "We had a lot of good possession in this game but we just couldn't seem to find the back of the net. I am so happy for our guys. They earned it and fought hard to get it."
The Bruins outshot the Tigers 27-1 in the match while only allowing one shot on frame and generating eight shots on goal. Twishme proved to be the hero for the Bruins as he scored his lone goal of the season which proved to be the goal to win the national title.
The Bruins came into the season as the #1 ranked team after winning last year's national title. The team battled through a difficult schedule and faced adversity to once again stake their claim atop the country in NCCAA Division II.
