Kissimmee, FL – The first day of the Division I Men's Soccer National Championships got started with a bang, as two of the three games saw comeback efforts. Top-seeded Carolina University overcame an early 1-0 deficit to win 3-2, while #7 Wayland Baptist University scored late to earn a tie with #3 Judson University. #2 Campbellsville was the only team to hold the lead throughout despite a scare, taking down #8 Geneva College 3-2. 
 
#1 Carolina University 3, #9 Asbury University 2

• The lowest seed in the tournament shocked top-seeded Carolina University early scoring in the fifth minute. Asbury University found the net on an unassisted bullet from Austin Dunlap to make it 1-0. 
• 20 minutes later, Carolina would find an equalizer working through the defense to find Luigi Piccoli to tie the game at one. 
• The Bruins would then begin to control the game, taking the lead on a beautiful rebound shot from Owen Vaughan to give them their first lead at 2-1 in the 38th minute. 
• Carolina would hold a 2-1 advantage at the end of the first half on 10 shots. 
• Luke Spillane-Davis would add an insurance goal for Carolina in the 51st minute unassisted to go on top 3-1. 
• Asbury had one answer in the 72nd minute but it was not enough as they would fall 3-2 in the first game of pool play.  

 
#3 Judson University 1, #7 Wayland Baptist University 1

• Judson University and Wayland Baptist University participated in a physical draw that saw six yellow cards and a red card in the action. 
• After a scoreless first half that was relatively even offensively, Judson would find the net first with a goal in the 59th minute. Matheus Duarte Torre beat a Wayland Baptist keeper in Alex Neri who had been outstanding all game off a double assist to go on top. 
• Wayland Baptist would respond with a beautiful redirect goal off a set piece from Elliott Idehen to tie the game in the 68th minute. 
• Both sides would see chances in the final 20 minutes for a go-ahead goal but neither team would find the net to force a tie in the Pool C opener. 

#2 Campbellsville University 3, #8 Geneva College 2

• After a slow first 30 minutes, Campbellsville University's Gustav Okarsson took it upon himself to beat the Geneva College defense and find the bottom right corner to break open the scoring. Okarsson beautifully placed the ball past a fully extended Geneva keeper in Evan Shale to lead 1-0. 
• In the 35th minute, the Tigers would add to their lead. Nico Lanari picked up a short pass from Gustav Okarsson and found the short corner to make it 2-0. 
• Campbellsville held a 2-0 advantage at the half. The Tigers outshot the Golden Tornadoes seven to four, with four shots on goal. 
• Geneva changed their formation going into the second half to try and push players forward. It led to a few chances, but Campbellsville was up to the task. 
• The Tigers would find a third goal in the 62nd minute as Diego Chainho would strike a volley into the back of the net off the cross from Ollie Jagroop. 
• Geneva would find the net in the 79th minute to cut the deficit to two on a goal from George Cottenden. They would find it again in the 83rd minute on a volley goal off a corner from Mike Rogers to make things interesting at 3-2. 
• It would not be enough despite the incredible effort though as Geneva would fall 3-2. 

Day two of pool play will begin tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET with #6 Southwestern Christian University vs. #9 Asbury University. Two games will follow at the 3:30 p.m. ET and 6 p.m. ET time slots in Kissimmee, Florida. Full results and a schedule of the matches can be found here.
 
About the NCCAA
Established in 1968, the National Christian College Athletic Association uses intercollegiate athletics to further the Great Commission and is committed to equipping student-athletes and coaches to make a positive impact for Christ. The NCCAA currently holds 23 national championship events, along with two national invitationals for 92 member schools across 28 states and two Canadian provinces. For more information on the NCCAA, visit our website, thenccaa.org, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram at @thenccaa.