KISSIMMEE, Fla.--Another epic game between Southeastern University and Clearwater Christian College in men's soccer unfolded Monday night at Austin Tindall Regional Park, this time for the NCCAA II National Championship.

The All-South Region National Championship game did not dissappoint, as the Cougars narrowly defeated the Fire, 2-1, in overtime on an incredible goal by Clearwater captain and South Region Player of the Year, Tyler Spraul.

Clearwater's Drew Custer put the Cougars on the board first on an unassisted goal at the 22:31 mark of the first half.

In the second half, Southeastern pressured the Clearwater defense throughout, controlling possession and eventually tying the game with 11:44 remaining.

Brenton Hitchcock served a pass into the box and Stephen Eppinger headed it past Clearwater goal keeper Anthony DeRosse, to the delight of the 500 Southeastern fans that traveled from Lakeland.

Eppinger scored three goals in the tournament, overall, and was named to the all-tournament team.

Southeastern continued to possess the ball and find quality scoring chances before the end of regulation, but could not break the tie before overtime.

"This team did not get down; they always think they have a chance," said Fire Head Coach Drew Stacey. "But I think we lost some momentum (due to the break) heading into overtime."

Then, just under two minutes into overtime, Clearwater's Danny Post outran the Southeastern defense and crossed a pass in front of the Southeastern goal, where Spraul volleyed the ball past Southeastern goal keeper Davin Ellenberger for the game-winner.

Clearwater players celebrated the school's first-ever national championship in men's soccer.

"That was probably one of the best goals I have ever witnessed, especially with what was at stake," said Clearwater Christian Head Coach James Whitaker.

Clearwater finished its season with a 16-2-3 record and a 3-1 record versus Southeastern.

Southeastern finished the year with an 11-12 overall record and, for the second time in three years, finished second in the nation.

"We knew it was going to be a 90-minute match," added Whitaker. "We have got great respect for Southeastern; they have great players and a great coaching staff."

The 2009 NCCAA II National Championship game marks the end of an era for Southeastern University. Monday night's game was the last game ever for Southeastern University in the NCCAA's Division II level. Next year, the Fire will begin giving athletic aid, and will thus not be allowed to compete in the NCCAA II.

Southeastern will continue its relationship with the NCCAA, but within the NCCAA's Division I level.

"We have played each other for so many years, it is sort of hard to make changes," added Stacey. "It all comes down to two teams that know each other well leaving it all on the field."

Matt LoPresti joined Eppinger on the tournament's all-tournament team, while Spraul and DeRosse both made the all-tournament team for Clearwater. Clearwater's Matt Tewes was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

Whitaker took home this year's NCCAA II National Coach of the Year Award.

KISSIMMEE, Fla.--The Southeastern men's soccer team defeated No. 1 seed Providence College, 2-1, Saturday night at Austin Tindall Regional Park to advance to the team's third NCCAA II National Championship game in four years.

The Fire once again had to come from behind to win as Stephen Eppinger scored two second half goals to set up an all-South-Region National Championship game versus rival Clearwater Christian College, Monday night.

Providence's Yohannes Asrat gave the Freemen an early 1-0 lead at the 34:50 mark of the first half.

Southeastern outshot Providence 9-2 in the half, but Providence goal keeper Jesse Lofthouse made four big saves to keep Southeastern scoreless.

In the second half, Southeastern once again dominated in possession and in shots, but Lofthouse continued to deny the Fire the game-tying goal.

"I changed up our offensive formation midway through the first half," said Fire Head Coach Drew Stacey. And the change seemed to pay great dividends for the Fire, which outshot Providence 18-1 in the final period.

Finally, midway through the second half, Southeastern's Jesse Gore sent a deep crossing pass from midfield which Stephen Eppinger headed past Lofthouse to tie the score, 1-1.

After tying the game, the Fire continued to attack, and with 5:08 remaining, Friday night's hero Louis Falcon sent a crossing pass to the front of the net where Eppinger found the ball and scored the game-winner, much to the delight of the Southeastern crowd.

Nearly 400 Southeastern fans made the drive from Lakeland to support both the men's and women's soccer teams. The Lady Fire won its national semifinal game just as the second half of the men's game was beginning to start.

"This is the deepest team I have ever had here," added Stacey. "We spent a lot of time the past few weeks conditioning and it really helped us here tonight."

And it was the Fire's depth that won them Saturday night's game, as Providence had no answer for the Fire's offensive pressure, which managed 27 total shots.

Southeastern will look to win its second NCCAA II National Championship in four years when the team faces Clearwater Christian.

The two schools played three times this season, with the Cougars earning two victories, including a 2-0 win over the Fire in the South Region Championship game back on October 31st.

Clearwater Christian is in search of its first NCCAA II National Championship in soccer in school history.

Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

KISSIMMEE, Fla.--The Southeastern University men's soccer team advanced to the NCCAA II National Semifinals after the team rallied from two goals down in the second half to defeat No. 4 seed Lancaster Bible College, 3-2, in overtime Friday night.

Lancaster goal keeper Jake Kreider made some nice saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless as Southeastern outshot Lancaster Bible 7-2 in the half.

In the second half, the Chargers scored two goals just minutes apart to grab a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Lancaster's Sean Westerlund scored at the 27:54 mark while Zak Kraehmer scored at the 25:32 mark.

Despite falling behind, Southeastern found a huge break just minutes later when Lancaster's Lawerence Lartey picked up his second yellow card and was ejected from the game.

The Fire quickly took advantage of Lancaster being shorthanded and began to find quality scoring chances.

Finally, a Lancaster defensive miscue allowed Southeastern freshman Louis Falcon a clear shot in front of the net which he converted to put Southeastern on the board with 16:37 remaining.

"I had to make some changes offensively," said Fire Head Coach Drew Stacey. "I put a player in who has a little more passing vision, and also put in a defender who could attack more offensively."

Stacey's decision to put freshman Eric Meyers into the game came up big. Meyers tied the game after he crashed the net and ripped a shot past Kreider to tie the score, 2-2, with 6:45 remaining.

Another one of Stacey's substitutions, defender Anthony Kolodziej, assisted on the game-winning goal.

Just four minutes into overtime, Kolodziej pushed the ball down the right side and sent a crossing pass to the front of the net where Falcon found the ball and blasted it past Kreider for the game winner. Falcon and teammates celebrated with Southeastern fans as the Fire advanced to the NCCAA II's Final Four for the fourth straight year.

Southeastern (10-11) will play No. 1 seed Providence College, Saturday night, at 7:30 p.m. Providence defeated Southwestern Christian, 5-2, Friday evening.

Providence ended Southeastern's season last year, defeating the Fire 4-2 in a penalty kick shootout in the national semifinal game.

LAKELAND, Fla.--The 2009 NCCAA II Men's and Women's Soccer National Tournaments will begin this Friday at Austin Tindall Regional Park in Kissimmee, Florida.

The Lady Fire earned the tournament's No. 1 seed and will open with No. 8 seed Kentucky Christian Univeristy at 5:00 p.m.

Southeastern went 14-5 on the year and won its fourth straight South Region title. Southeastern brings plenty of experience and motivation to this year's tournament, after losing in last year's national title game, 1-0, to Baptist Bible College.

With a victory over Kentucky Christian, Southeastern would play the winner of No. 4 seed Toccoa Falls College and No. 5 seed Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Saturday, at 5:00 p.m.

Toccoa Falls College and Southeastern are both in the NCCAA II's South Region, and the Lady Fire went 2-0 versus them in the regular season. The Fire shut out Toccoa Falls in both games, outscoring them 10-0 overall.

Baptist Bible is this year's No. 2 seed, which means Southeastern would not face the Lady Defenders until the national championship game on Monday.

The Lady Fire had 12 shutout victories this year and outscored NCCAA II opponents 39-1.

Senior Melissa Kennedy was named the 2009 South Region Player of the Year for the second straight season. Kennedy led Southeastern and the NAIA's Sun Conference with 63 points on 26 goals and 11 assists. She is currently third in the NAIA in points, tied for second in goals, and sixth for points-per-game. She is already Southeastern's all-time leader in points, goals, and assists.

The Southeastern men went 9-11 during the regular season, but grabbed an at-large bid into this year's tournament. The Fire is this year's No. 5 seed and draws No. 4 seed Lancaster Bible College in the first round, Friday night, at 7:45 p.m.

This is the Fire's fourth straight NCCAA II National Tournament appearance, and Southeastern won the NCCAA II National Championship back in 2006.

With a victory Friday night, the Fire could face this year's No. 1 seed, Providence College, in round two. That game would be on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Providence (12-1) upset Southeastern in last year's national tournament, 4-2, winning in a penalty kick shootout.

"We have to be able to put the ball in the back of the net," said Fire Head Coach Drew Stacey when asked what his team has to do in order to win another national championship.

Offense has been the problem for the Fire. When Southeastern scores two or more goals, the team has a record of 8-2. Southeastern has been shut out in six games this year, four of which came versus NAIA Sun Conference teams.

Two true freshmen lead the Fire in scoring, Stuart Branstetter and Austin Rogers.

Branstetter leads the team with 24 points on 11 goals and two assists. Rogers leads the team with eight assists and has found the net five times this year.

Manhattan Christian College is the No. 2 seed and will open versus No. 7 seed Ohio Christian University. Manhattan Christians has won the past two NCCAA II National Championships.

Both championship games will be played on Monday, November 16.

The Southeastern Sports Information Department will be providing updates throughout the tournament. For more information you can also surf to www.thenccaa.org

Southeastern Women's Soccer Schedule
Friday, November 13
5:00 p.m. (1) Southeastern University vs. (8) Kentucky Christian University
Saturday, November 14
5:00 p.m. With Loss (1) Southeastern University vs. loser of (4) Toccoa Falls College vs. (5) Maranatha Baptist Bible College
7:30 p.m. With Win (1) Southeastern University vs. winner of (4) Toccoa Falls College vs. (5) Maranatha Baptist Bible College
Monday, November 16
3:00 p.m. 2009 NCCAA II National Championship Game

Southeastern Men's Schedule
Friday, November 13
7:45 p.m. (4) Lancaster Bible College vs. (5) Southeastern University
Saturday, November 14
5:00 p.m. With Loss (5) Southeastern University vs. loser of (1) Providence College/(8) Southwestern Christian University
7:30 p.m. With Win (5) Southeastern University vs. winner of (1) Providence College/(8) Southwestern Christian University
Monday, November 16
10:00 a.m. With Loss (5) Southeastern University vs. loser of match 5
5:30 p.m. With Win: 2009 NCCAA II National Championship Game

LAKELAND, Fla.--Despite being upset Saturday night by Clearwater Christian College in the South Region Championship game, the Southeastern men's soccer team has earned an at-large bid into the 2009 NCCAA II National Tournament.

The Fire received the news Monday afternoon that it will be the tournament's No. 5 seed.

Southeastern went 9-11 on the year but 8-2 versus NCCAA II teams, a record which helped the team seal the at-large bid.

The Fire will open the tournament versus No. 4 seed Lancaster Bible College, Friday, November 13.

Earning the tournament's No. 1 seed was Providence College, while the 2007 and 2008 NCCAA II National Champions, Manhattan Christian College, grabbed the No. 2 seed.

Clearwater Christian benefited from its upset win over the Fire Saturday night to gain the No. 3 seed overall. The Cougars will play No. 6 seed Northland International University.

Once again this season all games will be played at Austin Tindall Regional Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

For all the latest information on the NCCAA II National Tournament, surf to http://www.thenccaa.org/d2menssoccerchamp.htm

Southeastern Men's Schedule
Friday, November 13
7:45 p.m. (4) Lancaster Bible College vs. (5) Southeastern University
Saturday, November 14
5:00 p.m. With Loss (5) Southeastern University vs. loser of (1) Providence College/(8) Southwestern Christian University
7:30 p.m. With Win (5) Southeastern University vs. winner of (1) Providence College/(8) Southwestern Christian University
Monday, November 16
10:00 a.m. With Loss (5) Southeastern University vs. loser of match 5
5:30 p.m. With Win: 2009 NCCAA II National Championship Game

LAKELAND, Fla.--Clearwater Christian College defeated Southeastern University, 1-0, Saturday night in the South Region Championship game, snapping Southeastern's streak of three straight regional titles.

The loss could jeopardize the Fire's post season, as Southeastern will now need an at-large bid into the NCCAA II National Tournament, November 12-16, in Kissimmee, Fla.

The only goal of the game came when Clearwater's Carl Lassague scored off a lead pass from Tyler Spraul at the 41 minute mark of the first half.

The goal was extremely disheartening to the Fire, who dominated the first half, outshooting the Cougars 17-3.

Clearwater goal keeper Anthony DeRosse made eight first half saves.

In the second half, Southeastern once again dominated in shots, outshooting the Cougars 10-5, but DeRosse made four more saves to preserve the win.

Southeastern falls to 9-11 overall and 8-2 versus South Region opponents. The NCCAA National committee will release the field of the 2009 NCCAA II National Tournament Monday night.

Nine Southeastern players took home regional honors.

Brenton Hitchcock was named a South Region Honorable Mention, while Austin Rogers, Stuart Branstetter, John Allison, John Peter Louine, and Stephen Eppinger all were named to the region's second team.

Seniors Michael Carey and Matt LoPresti joined Knox Strawbridge as First Team All-Region candidates.

Box Score

LAKELAND, Fla.--The Southeastern University men's soccer team finds itself in a familiar situation, once again in the South Region Championship game after defeating Toccoa Falls College, 2-0, Friday night.

Southeastern's victory put the team in the South Region Championship game for the fourth straight year. The Fire will look to win its fourth straight South Region title, Saturday, versus the winner of No. 2 seed Clearwater Christian College and No. 3 seed Atlanta Christian College.

After failing to convert on numerous chances in the first half against Toccoa Falls, Southeastern finally got on the board at the 35 minute mark when Brenton Hitchcock scored on a crossing pass from Peter John Louine.

Southeastern led 1-0 at halftime after outshooting the Eagles 14-0 in the half.

The Fire scored an insurance goal late in the second half when a pair of freshmen hooked up. Stuart Branstetter scored his team-leading 10th goal of the season on a cross pass from Austin Rogers with just under two minutes remaining.

The Fire outshot Toccoa Falls 29-1 for the game as Toccoa Falls goal keeper Tavis Julian made 12 saves to keep the Eagles in the game.

Southeastern (9-10) had only one loss versus NCCAA D-II South Region opponents during the regular season. Clearwater Christian College defeated Southeastern 2-0 back on September 3 in Clearwater.

The Fire regrouped and blanked the Cougars in Lakeland, 1-0, on September 15.

Saturday's championship game will start at 6:00 p.m.

Box Score

LAKELAND, Fla.--The Southeastern University men's soccer team hammered Piedmont Baptist Bible College 6-1, Saturday afternoon, in its final regular season game of the year.

Six different Fire players scored in the game as Southeastern outshot the Conquerors 23-1 for the game.

The Fire got goals from freshmen Stuart Branstetter, Stephen Eppinger, Austin Rogers, and Louis Falcon while sophomores Brenton Hitchcock and Brent Murray also scored. Branstetter, Rogers, and Falcon all added assists, while Eric Meyers contributed two other assists.

Andy Osborn and Anthony Kolodziej both had assists in the game as well.

Southeastern improves to 8-10 on the year and 7-1 within the NCCAA's South Region.

The Fire clinched the No. 1 seed in next week's South Region Tournament in Lakeland. Southeastern will play No. 4 seed Toccoa Falls College next Friday at 5:00 p.m.

The South Region Championship game would be played Saturday at 6:00 p.m.

Southeastern has won the South Region Tournament the past three years.

LAKELAND, Fla.--Southeastern University lost a hard-fought battle to Sun Conference leader Embry-Riddle University, 4-1, Tuesday night at the Southeastern University Soccer Complex.

Embry-Riddle's Ryan Woods put the Eagles on the board just four minutes into the game after he blasted a shot from about 25 yards out past Fire goal keeper Davin Ellenberger.

Less than six minutes later, Embry-Riddle struck again, this time when Luke Baker deflected a pass that found its way through the Fire defense and was converted into a goal by Matthias Klatt, making the score 2-0.

Just over the 19 minute mark, a Fire defender was called for a hand ball inside the 18-yard box, which set up a penalty kick that Embry-Riddle's Ryan Maloney converted into a goal.

Despite trailing 3-0 at halftime, the Fire defense had held the Eagles to just five shots in the first half. Fire freshman goal keeper Bo Giles was inserted into the game midway through the first half, and he came up huge for the Fire in the second half with six saves.

The Eagles bombarded Giles and the Fire defense with 16 shots in the second half, but managed only one goal.

Sam Litchfield put the Eagles up 4-0 when he scored in the 67th minute. Litchfield headed a ball that Giles saved, but the rebound came right back to Litchfield, and he blasted it past the Southeastern keeper for the Eagles' final goal.

Southeastern avoided the shutout when Stuart Branstetter scored on a setup pass from Eric Meyers. It was Branstetter's ninth goal of the season, which leads the Southeastern team.

Southeastern (7-10, 0-9) will end its regular season with a home game Saturday versus Piedmont Baptist Bible College.

The Fire defeated Piedmont Baptist, 8-1, earlier in the year in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

LAKELAND, Fla.--Southeastern University fell to St. Thomas University, 2-0, Saturday night in a hard fought Sun Conference matchup at the Southeastern Soccer Complex.

The Bobcats jumped onto the board first, just 14 minutes into the game, when Gabe Renteria scored on a redirection off of a pass by Mike Hinden, putting the Bobcats up 1-0.

Hinden scored the only other goal of the game at the 60 minute mark of the second half, his goal coming on a rebound off of a shot by Daniel De La Cruz.

The Fire defense held strong all night, keeping the game close throughout as Fire goal keeper Davin Ellenberger made nine saves on the night.

However, St. Thomas's defense was even more impressive, holding Southeastern to just seven shots on goal and earning its fifth shutout of the season. St. Thomas goal keeper Aaron Jones made seven saves in the game.

St. Thomas improves to 10-3-3 on the year and 6-1-1 within the Sun Conference.

Southeastern falls to 7-9 on the year and 0-8 within the Sun Conference.

The Fire will host Embry-Riddle University, Tuesday night, at 7:00 p.m.

Box Score

LAKELAND, Fla.--In a thrilling game that saw four lead changes and three game-tying goals, the Southeastern men's soccer team dropped a heart-breaker to Florida Memorial University, 4-3, Thursday night in overtime.

The Lions' Gabriel Ricca scored the game-winning goal eight minutes into the first overtime, knocking it in off a crossing pass from Cesar Lopez.

Ricca's goal came just minutes after a goal that Southeastern scored was disallowed. Southeastern's Stuart Branstetter headed a ball into the net after a shot by Austin Rogers hit the post, but the line judge called Branstetter offsides, the call drawing heavy disapproval from the Southeastern crowd.

Southeastern trailed, 3-2, late in the second half when Branstetter tied the game off a pass from Rogers at the 83 minute mark to force overtime.

In the first half, Florida Memorial's Raul Torres gave the Lions an early 1-0 lead off a crossing pass by Jason Maltez.

Rogers tied the game for the Fire on an unassisted goal just four minutes later, making it 1-1. Rogers scored his second goal of the game, giving Southeastern a 2-1 lead, off a set play which saw Matt LoPresti fire a shot towards the goal where Rogers headed the ball past Lions' goalie Rubiel Vazquez.

The Lions tied the score just five minutes later when Lopez scored on a penalty kick, making the score 2-2 at halftime.

Florida Memorial grabbed a 3-2 lead early in the second half before Branstetter forced overtime.

The Fire outshot Florida Memorial 12-2 in the second half and 16-14 for the game.

Rogers finished the game with two goals and an assist.

Southeastern falls to 7-8 on the year and 0-7 within the Sun Conference. The Fire will host St. Thomas University Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.

Matt LoPresti is a senior captain on the Southeastern Men's soccer team. As a freshman back in 2006, he was a part of Southeastern's only NCCAA II National Championship team.

This past summer, Grant Berman, former Southeastern baseball standout and now member of the Southeastern Athletics staff, asked LoPresti to reflect on his career at Southeastern.

Berman: What made you choose Southeastern over other colleges?
LoPresti: I came to Southeastern because of the Christian environment and to play soccer.

Berman: What was your relationship with God like before you got to Southeastern?
LoPresti: It was not as strong as it is now; growing up, I was taught but never really tested or challenged my faith until I came to Southeastern.

Berman: How has Southeastern helped cultivate your relationship with God?
LoPresti: It helped me to dig deeper into what I believe and challenged me to learn why I believe in Christ.

Berman: What is it like playing your collegiate sport day in and day out?
LoPresti: Awesome! It's challenging but at the same time fun. Soccer's my passion and I love it.

Berman: What are your future plans after you graduate from Southeastern?
LoPresti: Change the world. I'm planning on doing an internship for a non-profit and hope to later use soccer as a way to win people to Christ.

Berman: What is your favorite scripture verse, and why?
LoPresti: Psalm 97: It shows me that I can overcome anything through Christ and with God's strength anything is possible.

Berman: If you couldn't play your sport anymore, what other Southeastern sport would you want to play and why?
LoPresti: Um, women's soccer (laughing). I think I would play basketball because I want to be like LeBron (James).

Berman: Who is your favorite professor at Southeastern?
LoPresti: Dr. Childs, because he made classes relevant, challenging while incorporating faith and business.

Berman: What is your favorite thing to do around Lakeland?
LoPresti: I love to go to the dunes and jump off the rope swing there.

Berman: What is the funniest thing one of your coaches has said?
LoPresti: One day before a game, Coach Stacey was getting us pumped up to go out and play our best and at the climax of the speech he said in a dramatic voice, "Boys, we need to focus on women, I mean winning." We all busted out laughing for the remainder of the speech.

Berman: What is the most embarrassing moment in your life?
LoPresti: I would have to say when we were playing a team and I gave up an own goal--and then later in the game I missed a PK (penalty kick). It was a bad game for me.

Berman: What is your favorite movie or worst movie ever seen?
LoPresti: My favorite movie would probably be the Ocean's Eleven series and the movie I hate is The Descent.
 

BABSON PARK, Fla.--Southeastern University could not overcome the strong defense of Webber International University, Saturday evening, as the Warriors shut out the Fire, 1-0, in a Sun Conference game.

Webber's Adam Bates scored an unassisted goal at the 33:45 mark of the first half for the game winner.

Southeastern outshot Webber 7-4 in the first half, but the Warriors held the Fire to just four shots in the second half.

Warriors' goalie Andres Zwaans made four saves in the game to preserve the shutout, while Fire goal keeper Davin Ellenberger made five saves in the game.

Webber improves to 7-5 overall and 3-2 within the Sun Conference.

Southeastern falls to 7-7 on the year and 0-6 in the Sun Conference and will host Florida Memorial University, Thursday night, at 7:00 p.m.

LAKE WALES, Fla.--The Southeastern University men's soccer team's two-game winning streak came to an end Thursday evening as Warner University defeated the Fire, 4-0, in the two programs' first ever Sun Conference matchup.

Marc Jeanty and Maurico Castano both scored goals for Warner in the first half to give the Lions a 2-0 halftime lead.

Then, Michael Alvardo and Jaime Garzon both scored second half goals to put the Fire away. Jean Pierre Jimenez and Castano both had assists in the game.

Warner outshot the Fire 14-2 for the game as Warner improves to 5-5-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the Sun Conference.

Southeastern falls to 7-6 overall and 0-5 within the Sun Conference. Southeastern will next travel to Babson Park, Fla., to play Webber International University, Saturday, at 11:00 a.m.

Box Score

LAKELAND, Fla.--The Southeastern University men's soccer team used a strong first half and a swarming defense to defeat Toccoa Falls College, 3-0, Friday night at the Southeastern University Soccer Complex