Nov. 21, 2006

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Graceland University (Iowa) captured its first NAIA Men's Soccer National title in a thrilling soccer match that went to 20 penalty kick shooters after a scoreless draw at Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium on Tuesday evening. 

Each team had several chances to get on the board in regulation.  The Cougars had an excellent chance in the 24th minute when junior Kolt Calloway collected a loose ball, but his shot was saved by Graceland keeper Isaac Unruh, and Calloway pushed the rebound just past the left post.  Azusa again knocked on the door in the second half, but Steven Lenhart's shot from just inside the spot went well over the crossbar in the 73rd minute.

With 5:53 on the clock in the first overtime, Graceland's Brett Porter took a shot that found its way to Azusa goalie James Crawford, but not before being coolly wrapped up by Cougar keeper James Crawford. 

After the first five shooters for both teams were successful, Azusa's Tony Rotunno's shot was saved by Unruh.  Crawford returned the favor on Filip Prostran.  The next two shooters for each side missed, but Graceland's Stefan Delas and Azusa's Beau Hayden connected on their respective shots.  After Calloway missed his penalty, Nick Gay sealed the win with a penalty to right side.

"I think I'm in shock," said Yellow Jackets coach Ivan Joseph.  "We had to work, work, work.  We had to keep their big guy off the ball.  As long as we kept him from turning, we knew we had a chance."

Graceland finishes the season at 17-4-3, while Azusa, who fell in the title game for the second consecutive year, finished at 17-3-4.

No. 2 GRACELAND 0, No. 8 AZUSA PACIFIC 0

Graceland                     0          0          0          0          0

Azusa Pacific                0          0          0          0          0

Scoring: None

Shots:  Graceland 16, Azusa Pacific 10

Corner kicks: Graceland 4, Azusa Pacific 11

Goalie saves: Graceland (Isaac Unruh 5), Azusa Pacific (James Crawford 3).

Fouls: Graceland 18, Azusa Pacific, 13.

All-Tournament Team

Forwards

Sven Simon, Azusa Pacific

Jon Hermannsson, Webber International

Steve Lenhart, Azusa Pacific

Joonas Siikala, Northwood

Midfielders

Skelly Kellar, Azusa Pacific

Kevin Souter, Graceland

Conar Dawson, Rio Grande

Cristian Fernandes, Oklahoma Christian

Defenders

Jared Karkas, Azusa Pacific

Josh Howard, William Jewell

Craig Curtis, Webber International

Brett Loving, Graceland

Goalkeeper

Isaac Unruh, Graceland

Andy Shields, William Jewell

Nels Dahlquist Team Sportsmanship Award - Azusa Pacific

BRINE-NAIA Champions of Character Award - Brett Loving, Graceland

Outstanding Defensive Player - Bret Loving, MF, Graceland

Outstanding Offensive Player - Steven Lenhart, MF, Azusa Pacific

Tournament MVP - Isaac Unruh, GK, Graceland