Sporting Alert

Updated NCAAF, NCAAB, NFL Scores

national championship

Follow NAIA National Championships Live Online: Baseball, Track, Golf and More

By: Leave a Comment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics  (NAIA) has announced the lineup for the 2013 spring national championship season as all eight events will be broadcast live.

These broadcasts will offer fans a live video and audio stream. All eight spring events are available for the first time in the 76-year national championship history of the NAIA.

The Men’s Golf National Championships in Salem, Ore., kicks off the spring season May 14 – 17. Each day will offer a post-round show called “Sunset in Salem,” beginning at 6 p.m. PDT with interviews, analysis and highlights. On May 17, there will be live coverage of the awards ceremony included in that broadcast, along with highlights. The shows are a production of the Cascade Collegiate Conference and Corban University.

In Mobile, Ala., the Men’s and Women’s Tennis National Championships will be broadcast live May 18. Teams compete in early-round action May 14 –17 and live video-streaming will cover the championship finals only May 18. The men will begin at 9 a.m. CDT, and the women will compete beginning at 1 p.m. There will be multiple camera angles covering six courts and a dedicated broadcaster for the stream.

For the first time ever, the Women’s Golf National Championships in Lincoln, Neb., May 21 – 24 will be video-streamed. There will be two cameras covering action at the Wilderness Ridge Golf Club, positioned at holes No. 9 and 18. The broadcast is made possible by the Doane College Athletic Department and the Tiger Sports Network.

From May 23 to 25, the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships will be streamed live. Four channels will be set up and produced by the Indiana Wesleyan University television station, WIWU TV. There will be live commentary on most of the events, which run simultaneously from Marion, Ind.

The NAIA Softball National Championship will have all 19 games streamed from the South Commons Softball Complex. Action from Columbus, Ga., runs May 24 – 30 at the same facility in which the 1998 Summer Olympic Games were played.

From May 24 to 31 in Lewiston, Idaho, the Avista-NAIA Baseball World Series will be streamed. The first 17 games of the double-elimination event will be streamed live via NeuLion from Harris Field. Those games run May 24 – 29. The championship final May 30 and the “if necessary” game May 31 will be streamed live on ESPN3.

The NAIA is partnering with NeuLion on the live broadcasts for baseball, softball and tennis.

NAIA National Championship Live Video-Streaming Schedule – 2013 Spring events
(subject to change)
• Men’s Golf National Championships: May 14 – 17 ** | Click here to access
• Men’s and Women’s Tennis National Championships: May 14 – 18 * | Click here to access
• Women’s Golf National Championships: May 21 – 24 ** | Click here to access
• Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field National Championships: May 23 – 25 ** | Click here to access
• Softball National Championship: May 24 – 30 | Click here to access
• Avista-NAIA Baseball World Series: May 24 – 31  | Click here to access games May 24 – 29 | Click here to access games May 30 – 31

** Indicates the streaming is an independent production, coordinated by the championship hosts
* Indicates the video-streaming will be for the National Championship finals on May 18 beginning at 9 a.m. CDT

NCAA March Madness Tournament TV Channels, Times – Mar 22

By: Leave a Comment

(Sporting Alert) — Duke, Wisconsin, Miami (FL), Indiana and Kansas are among the highlighted teams bowing into action in the 2013 NCAA March Madness Tournament on Friday.

Following the excitements, upsets and near misses on Thursday’s first day of section round action, college basketball fans with now turn their attention to the next set of fixtures.

Live Online Streaming: NCAA March Madness Tournament | Action Begins At 12:15 pm ET.

Second-seed Duke Blue Devils are expected to attract most of the attention on Friday when they open against No. 15 Albany on CBS at 12:15.

Duke had also entered as the No. 2 seed last year, but fell early after being stunned by another 15th-seeded Lehigh in the second round.

Head coach Mike Krzyzewski, whose team was knocked out of the ACC tournament at the quarterfinals stage last week, wants his players to just focus on the present and forget about the good and the bad from the past.

“If we keep looking back at our experiences, then we would really get overconfident because we’ve won four national championships and been to 11 Final Fours,” Krzyzewski said.

“There’s no need to go back to good or bad experiences because not all these guys were involved in that.

“The best thing to do is to be involved in this experience, and we’re not reminding the seniors that they’ve won a national championship when they were freshmen.

“We’re not talking about what we did last year because it’s a totally different team.

“My feeling is stay in this moment. Whatever happened in the past, good or bad, has happened in the past.”

Duke will be looking for a win that would see them joining No. 1 Louisville, No. 4 Saint Louis and No. 3 Michigan State from the Midwest Region.

Also in action on Friday are No. 5 Wisconsin, which play against No. 12 Ole Miss, ACC champions No. 2 Miami (FL) go up against No. 15 Pacific, No. 1 Indiana will battle with No. 16 James Madison who picked up a win the First Four earlier this week, No. 1 Kansas against No. 16 Western Kentucky and No. 5 Wisconsin up against No. 12 Ole Miss.

NCAA March Madness Tournament Games

TIME (ET) MATCHUP TV
12:15 PM (15) Albany vs (2) Duke* CBS
12:40 PM (12) Ole Miss vs (5) Wisconsin* tru TV
1:40 PM (9) Temple vs (8) North Carolina State* TBS
2:10 PM (15) Pacific vs (2) Miami (FL)* TNT
2:45 PM (10) Cincinnati vs (7) Creighton* CBS
3:10 PM (13) La Salle vs (4) Kansas State* tru TV
4:10 PM (16) James Madison vs (1) Indiana* TBS
4:40 PM (10) Colorado vs (7) Illinois* TNT
6:50 PM (15) Florida Gulf Coast vs (2) Georgetown* TBS
7:15 PM (15) Iona vs (2) Ohio State* CBS
7:20 PM (9) Villanova vs (8) North Carolina* TNT
7:27 PM (14) Northwestern State vs (3) Florida* tru TV
9:20 PM (10) Oklahoma vs (7) San Diego State* TBS
9:45 PM (10) Iowa State vs (7) Notre Dame* CBS
9:50 PM (16) Western Kentucky vs (1) Kansas* TNT
9:57 PM (11) Minnesota vs (6) UCLA* tru TV

Indiana Wesleyan beat Davenport, wins NAIA DII title

By: Leave a Comment

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – (Box Score) Indiana Wesleyan claimed its second national championship by defeating Davenport (Mich.), 61-43, in the Championship game of the 2013 State Farm-NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship.

Behind Tournament MVP Paige Smith, the Wildcats went on a 22-1 run late in the second half to win its second national championship. They capped the season with a 61-43 victory to raise their second banner in school history.

“It’s such a great victory for our team and to see our team do something so special together that is what matters the most to me,” said Tournament MVP Paige Smith.

“The fact that this team came together and fought together and stayed together the entire year. That is the biggest blessing out of all of this.”

Taylor Goshert got the scoring going in the first half as she hit a layup in the first minute of the contest. After that bucket the Panthers and Wildcats continued to trade buckets and at the first media time out the game was tied at six.

Both teams continued to keep the game close as neither team held a lead over two points in the first seven minutes of the contest. Tiesha Stokes gave Davenport the first lead over two points after hitting a three pointer. Stokes extended the Panthers lead to 15-10 after hitting a layup.

Davenport would extend its lead to seven points, 17-10, with nine minutes to go in the first half, as Indiana Wesleyan went five minutes without a basket. However, after they broke the scoreless drought, Claire Ray hit a three pointer to put the Wildcats down two, 17-15.

With the game tied at 21, Shaina Johnson scored on a layup to put the Panthers ahead by two with two minutes left in the first half. This happened to be the last field goal and points of the first half and Davenport took a two point lead into halftime, 23-21.

The second half started like the first half as both teams started trading baskets. During the first eight minutes of the second half, the Panthers and the Wildcats saw four lead changes and three ties.

After Paige Smith hit a pair of free throws to tie the game at 34, the Wildcats clicked the offense and defense into gear. After falling down by two points to Davenport with 11:51 to go in the game, the Panthers did not make a field goal for the next 11 minutes and 24 seconds.

During this stretch the Wildcats went on a 22-1 during an eight minute stretch. Indiana Wesleyan found themselves down two, 36-34, before the run and ended the run leading the Panthers by 19 points, 56-37.

The Panthers continued to score only from the free throw line, and could not get any closer than 17 points for the remainder of the game. Davenport finally broke their field goal drought after Staci Stadler hit a three-pointer, to break an 11 minute and 24 second field goal drought.

“I can’t say enough about Paige and Claire,” said coach Brooks. “Claire did an amazing job on Karli Harris tonight. She just shut her down. Those two seniors have been our inspiration and leaders all year on the floor and off the floor. If you want to have a team like this you need seniors that step up and take responsibility and those two did.”

Taylor Goshert led the Wildcats with 15 points, while Claire Ray and Paige Smith followed with 14 points apiece. Tiesha Stokes led the Panthers with 12 points off the bench.

The Panthers lost its second national championship game in three years and are still looking for its first national championship. The loss for Davenport snapped the team’s streak of 11-straight wins.

All-Tournament
First Team:
Paige Smith, Indiana Wesleyan
Taylor Goshert, Indiana Wesleyan
Karli Harris, Davenport (Mich.)
Kendra De Jong, Northwestern (Iowa)
Ashlynn Muhl, Morningside (Iowa)

Second Team:
Tiesha Stokes, Davenport (Mich.)
Sloane Masters, Briar Cliff (Iowa)
Laura Johnson, Bethel (Ind.)
Kayla Drake, Saint Francis (Ind.)
Brooke Randall, Eastern Oregon
Most Valuable Player:
Paige Smith, Indiana Wesleyan: 17.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 38/69 FG (55.1%) in 5 games

Hustle Award:
Karli Harris, Davenport (Mich.)

Alabama off to quick 21-0 start in Discovery BCS National Championship

By: Leave a Comment

MIAMI GARDENS (Sporting Alert) — Defending champions Alabama has turned one of the most anticipated Discovery BCS National Championship games against Notre Dame into a one sided contest in the early goings Monday night.

The No. 2 Crimson Tide jumped off to a quick 14-0 lead in the first quarter, before added another score in the second, for the commanding 21-0 lead before the half-time break.

Eddie Lacy rushed up the middle for a 20-yard touchdown open the scoring for Alabama at the sold out Sun Life Stadium with 13:13 on the clock.

No. 1 Notre Dame were in further trouble when AJ McCarron passed to Michael Williams  for 3 yard touchdown before T.J. Yeldon made it 21-0 early in the 2nd quarter.

The Fighting Irish (12-0) entered the game undefeated, but will need to step things up on the offensive side if they stand any chance of keep a perfect for the season.

Alabama defeated LSU to win the BCS title last year.

Mobile beat MidAmerica Nazarene, books NAIA Soccer Championship final slot

By: Leave a Comment

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – (Bracket) No. 12 seed Mobile (Ala.) saved the best until last in the second semifinal match of the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship, presented by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

The Rams scored two goals in the games’ final nine minutes to escape with a 2-1 victory against No. 7 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) today from the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex. Stephen Okai and Gaetan Massiah scored successive goals for the Rams.

Mobile will face fellow Southern States Athletic Conference member No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.) Saturday in the national championship final. Mobile was victorious in this year’s regular-season meeting by a 3-1 score on Oct. 20.

The 54th annual final is scheduled for 3 p.m. CST Saturday. The event is co-hosted by the Central Alabama Sports Commission and the Southern States Athletic Conference.

“Soccer is a wonderful game,” said Mobile head coach Roy Patton. “It took a lot of heart and guts by us to come back from the 1-0 deficit. But, I have to give credit to our opponent, the tremendous ball club from MidAmerica Nazarene.”

MidAmerica Nazarene, who had a strong contingent from Olathe, Kan., travel to Montgomery, saw Trent Remmich put home his first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute. He was assisted by Rodrigo Rivas and Eddie Morales. Remmich’s shot on goal was only the second for the Pioneers in the first half.

The game was a matchup of two superb defenses that showcased their skill. Both clubs had combined for 17 shutouts heading into today’s game. However, the Mobile offense broke through in the 82nd minute when Okai freed himself enough to score his 10th goal of the year. Less than two minutes later, Massiah netted the game-winner, with the assist going to Pierre Mangold.

Xavier Audergon posted one save for Mobile in goal.

Mobile heads to its fourth all-time national championship final and first since 2002. The Rams are 1-2 all-time in the title game with losses in 1994 and 1999 before winning it all in 2002.

NeuLion, the NAIA’s official video-streaming company of 12 select NAIA national championship events, will be broadcasting all matches of the 2012 Men’s Soccer National Championship final site in Montgomery, Ala. Single-day packages can be purchased for $9.95, while an all-tournament pass is available for $29.95. For more information and to pre-register, click here.

For more information, click here.

National Championship Semifinal No. 2 Notes:
• In all-time semifinal appearances, Mobile (Ala.) improves to 4-3-0 and MidAmerica Nazarene was playing in its first-ever semifinal.
• Mobile advances to its fourth-ever national championship final and is 1-2 in that event.
• Mobile meets up with fellow member in the Southern States Athletic Conference, Belhaven (Miss.) in the final tomorrow. The two teams have one postseason meeting back in 2010. The Rams came on top over Belhaven, 4-3 in the 2010 National Championship Second Round.
• With both teams in tomorrow’s championship final being a double-digit seed, that fact marks the first time since 1999 when the current format of seeded teams went into effect.
• In all-time national championship action, Mobile improves to 25-14-2 in its 16th appearance. MidAmerica Nazarene falls to 2-3-2 all-time in its third trip.
• Mobile is trying to become the ninth different team in NAIA men’s soccer history to win multiple national championships.
• With both teams out of the Southern States Athletic Conference, it is the first time that a SSAC team has appeared in the national championship final since 2004 when Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) did so¬.
• There have been two double-overtime matches, all occurring in the Second Round which brings the 2012 total to five in this year’s National Championship.

No.1 Lindsey Wilson beaten by No.12 Belhaven in NAIA men’s soccer Championship

By: Leave a Comment

No.1 and defending champion Lindsey Wilson has been eliminated from the 2012 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship after losing to No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.) on Friday.

Belhaven defeated the top ranked Lindsey Wilson 1-0 in the semifinals to set-up a final contest with the  winner of Mobile (Ala.) and MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) game, which will be later today.

Belhaven advances to play in its second-ever National Championship final tomorrow (3 p.m. CST). They are 1-0 all-time in the National Championship final and won the 1992 title.

The defeat means that Lindsey Wilson, who won last year’s and runners-up Hastings (Neb), which suffered defeat earlier in the knock-out stage, are both eliminated from the championship.

Lindsey Wilson falls to 9-4-0 all-time in the semifinals.

For complete information on the national championship, click here
2012 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship – Semifinal No. 1 – Montgomery, Ala. – Nov. 30, 2012
No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.) (18-4-1) def. No. 1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) (22-2-0), 1-0 

Pool Play-Day One: NAIA Volleyball National Championship Results

By: Leave a Comment

Sioux City, Iowa – (Bracket) The opening day of pool play at the 2012 NAIA Volleyball National Championship presented by CNOS Foundation featured dominant performances from many of the nation’s highest-rated teams.

Pool Play-Day One
Concordia (Calif.) def. Morningside (Iowa), 3-0 – Box Score
Georgetown (Ky.) def. IU East, 3-2 – Box Score
Texas at Brownsville def. St. Francis (Ill.), 3-0 – Box Score
College of Idaho def. Westmont (Calif.), 3-1 – Box Score
Columbia (Mo.) def. Carroll (Mont.), 3-0 – Box Score
Oklahoma Baptist def. Madonna (Mich.), 3-1 – Box Score
Biola (Calif.) def. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), 3-0 – Box Score
Lee (Tenn.) def. Missouri Baptist, 3-1 – Box Score
Bellevue (Neb.) def. Embry-Riddle (Fla.), 3-2 – Box Score
MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) def. Hastings (Neb.), 3-2 – Box Score
Cal State San Marcos def. The Master’s (Calif.), 3-0 – Box Score
Viterbo (Wis.) def. Indiana Wesleyan, 3-1 – Box Score

Four of the top-five squads in the final Top 25 Poll cruised to straight-set victories in Sioux City, Iowa.

Coming into the National Championship with the most wins in the NAIA, Indiana East fell in five-sets to Georgetown (Ky.), 3-2, (23-25, 25-21, 26-24, 20-25, 15-10). Stephanie Gurren dished out 28 assists for the Tigers. Concordia (Calif.) continued its undefeated season in its first match of pool play as the Eagles defeated Morningside (Iowa), 3-0, (25-10, 25-17, 25-13). Madison Ekis led the Eagles with eight kills while Jenee Henderson passed out 16 assists.

No. 2 Texas at Brownsville won its seventh-straight match as the Scorpions defeated St. Francis (Ill.) 3-0, (25-14, 25-14, 25-23) in the first game of Pool B. Texas at Brownsville was led by junior Danica Markovic’s 13 kills and five aces. In the second game of Pool B, College of Idaho won 3-1, (25-22, 25-16, 15-25, 25-17) over Westmont (Calif.) with Jessica Peacock leading the Lady Yotes with 13 kills.

No. 3 Columbia (Mo.) extended their winning streak to 32 matches today after defeating Carroll (Mont.) in straight sets by scores of 26-24, 25-15 and 25-21. The Cougars were led by returning NAIA All-American setter Paula Ferreira who pounded seven kills while dishing out 40 assists and logging 13 digs. In other Pool C action, the Bison of Oklahoma Baptist defeated Madonna (Mich.) 25-23, 25-18, 22-25 and 26-24. Bison Kristin Pressley posted a match high 19 kills in the win.

Biola (Calif.) was victorious against Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) in the first match of Pool D, as the Eagles won 3-0, (25-23, 25-13, 25-17). Biola had three players in double-digits for kills led by Amy Weststeyn’s 12. The Lee (Tenn.) Lady Flames won their first match of pool play by defeating Missouri Baptist, 3-1, (25-27, 25-15, 25-17, 25-14). Pacing the offense for Lee was Marija Zelenovic with 18 kills.

Winning in a five-set thriller, Bellevue (Neb.) defeated fifth seeded Embry-Riddle (Fla.) by scores of 26-28, 25-20, 18-25, 25-11, 15-13. Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year, Jordan Broady, paced the Bruin offense with 51 assists. In another five set thriller in Pool E, MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) was victorious against Hastings (Neb.), 3-2, (25-20, 25-22, 23-25, 25-15, 15-13). Linjun Ji and Molly Brewster led the Pioneers with 13 kills apiece.

For the third time this season The Master’s (Calif.) and Cal State San Marcos faced off, but this match had a different outcome. The Cougars of Cal State San Marcos claimed the victory, upsetting the sixth ranked Mustangs by scores of 25-22, 25-20 and 25-22.

Taylor DeGraaf was the only player in the match to reach double figure kills with 12 for the Cougars. In the Pool F nightcap, Viterbo (Wis.) and Indiana Wesleyan proved to be evenly matched as the contest extended to four sets, with the V-Hawks of Viterbo coming from behind to claim the win, 25-27, 25-23, 25-20 and 25-21. Senior Jordan Blaken had 37 digs to lead the V-Hawks to victory.

Pool play resumes on Wednesday, November 28 at 1 p.m. CST at the Tyson Events Center as all 24 squads return to action. The top-two teams from each of the six pools will move on to single-elimination play beginning on Friday.

Day 2: NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship

By: Leave a Comment

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – (Bracket) Drama was the theme in second round action in the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship. One match ended in double-overtime fashion and the other three finished with a 2-1 score.

Box Score – No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.) def. No. 5 Science & Arts (Okla.), 2-1
Box Score – No. 11 Mobile (Ala.) def. No. 6 Columbia (Mo.), 2-1
Box Score – No. 8 Southern Poly (Ga.) def. Hastings (Neb.), 2-1
Box Score – No. 7 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) tied Olivet Nazarene (Ill.), 0-0 (2 OT) (MNU advances on PKs, 4-3)

The event is played at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex and co-hosted by the Central Alabama Sports Commission and the Southern States Athletic Conference. The quarterfinal round will play out tomorrow starting at 11 a.m. CST.

Giovanni Correa’s game-winner in the 78th minute was the difference as No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.) took down fifth-seeded Science & Arts (Okla.), 2-1, in the first match of the day (top right photo courtesy ofwww.mgentryphoto.com). That goal was Correa’s first of the year. There were quick strikes by both squads with David Major sounding the horn in the eighth minute to give Belhaven a 1-0 lead. Thirteen minutes later, Stephen Owusu tied the score for the Drovers at 1-1. But, Correa’s strike ended up be the difference-maker.

No. 11 Mobile (Ala.) used two goals in a span of 1:15 in the second half to down No. 6 Columbia (Mo.), 2-1. Sam Blackburn and Pierre Mangold teamed up to hand the Rams a 2-0 lead heading into the 70th minute. Marko Paunovic brought life to the Cougars with his team-leading 14th goal of the year in the 81st minute. However, the Rams held and will advance to their third Quarterfinal in the last five years.

No. 8 Southern Poly (Ga.) got some key second-half saves by Dennis Kramer to preserve a 2-1 victory over Hastings (Neb.). The senior notched his 16th win of the year with six stops. The Hornets held a 2-0 edge heading into the locker room courtesy of goals from Juan Henao and Adis Islamovic. Jake Essi made things interesting in the 73rd minute with a one-timer that brought Hastings deficit to 2-1. But, the Southern Poly defense locked down to record its 18th game this year of allowing one or fewer goals.

In the nightcap, No. 7 MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) played to a scoreless draw after two overtimes. Alvaro Beltran was the hero for the Pioneers in the penalty kick session. His shot produced a 4-3 edge in penalty kicks and MidAmerica Nazarene is heading to its first-ever Quarterfinal. Both goalkeepers performed well, but Olivet Nazarene keeper Zach Chambers was exceptional on the stat sheet. His 11 saves is the first time a championship keeper has stopped 10-or-more since 2006.

NeuLion, the NAIA’s official video-streaming company of 12 select NAIA national championship events, will be broadcasting all matches of the 2012 Men’s Soccer National Championship final site in Montgomery, Ala. Single day packages can be purchased for $9.95, while an all-tournament pass is available for $29.95. For more information and to pre-register, click here.

For more information, click here.

Second Round Championship Notes (through second day):
• Heading into the round of eight tomorrow, both MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.) and Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) will be making their first Quarterfinal appearance.
• All four teams from the Southern States Athletic Conference that advanced to Montgomery are still alive for the Quarterfinals: No. 2 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.), No. 8 Southern Poly (Ga.), No. 11 Mobile (Ala.), No. 12 Belhaven (Miss.).
• Three quarterfinalists have won at least one national title: Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Belhaven (Miss.) and Mobile (Ala.).
• There have been two double-overtime matches in the Second Round which brings the 2012 total to five in this year’s National Championship.
• With the loss today against Mobile (Ala.), Columbia (Mo.) has never made it past the Second Round in four overall championship appearances.
• Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) picked up its first championship win all-time on Nov. 17 in the National Championship Opening Round.
• The Trojans keep alive a streak of unseeded teams winning in the Second Round. Since the format began with Opening Rounds in 2008, there has been at least one unseeded squad to pull off the upset.
• After the 4-0 win over Ashford (Iowa) on Monday, Concordia (Calif.) tied a school record with its 19th season win – the record ties the 2007 team that took a runner-up finish in the National Championship.
• Concordia (Calif.), the No. 3 seed, became the fourth-consecutive such seed to win its Second Round game.
• Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) is now on a seven-match winning streak in the National Championship with the last loss coming in the 2010 Opening Round. Overall, the Blue Raiders are 12-1 in their last 13 matches played in the postseason.

NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship Report

By: Leave a Comment

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – (Bracket) Three of the top-four seeds advanced today in the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship, presented by Carrabba’s Italian Grill.

The event is played at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex and co-hosted by the Central Alabama Sports Commission and the Southern States Athletic Conference. Second Round action continues tomorrow with play beginning at 11 a.m. CST.

Box Score – Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) def. No. 4 Rio Grande (Ohio), 2-1 (2 OT)
Box Score – No. 3 Concordia (Calif.) def. No. 14 Ashford (Iowa), 4-0
Box Score – No. 1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) def. No. 16 Concordia (Ore.), 2-1
Box Score – No. 2 Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) def. Jamestown (N.D.), 3-2

In the first match of the national championship, unseeded Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.)  (picture far right – courtesy of Marvin Gentry) eliminated No. 4 Rio Grande (Ohio), 2-1, in double overtime. After Rio Grande, a team with 12-straight championship appearances, went up 1-0 on a Caio Cruz goal in the 71st minute, the Trojans responded.

Joao Junqueira hit the equalizer about 13 minutes later. Then, Rio Grande’s Mike Burney narrowly had the game-winner in the first extra session, but his shot hit the crossbar. Just 1:08 into the second overtime, Victor Alvarez headed in a pass from Jose Vidal to send the Trojans to their first-ever Quarterfinal trip on Wednesday.

In the day’s biggest blowout, No. 3 Concordia (Calif.) took down No. 14 Ashford (Iowa), 4-0. The win in shutout fashion was the Eagles sixth-straight on the year dating back to Oct. 24. Four different Eagles scored and Christian Ramirez notched two assists. William Prado kicked home the game-winner in the 13th minute. Ashford was playing in its first-ever National Championship Second Round.

Defending national champion and top seed Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) needed a come-from-behind effort to take a 2-1 victory over No. 16 Concordia (Ore.). Michael Chamberlain gave the Cavaliers a 1-0 edge in the 11th minute.

Last year’s Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, Lebogang Moloto, started the Blue Raider comeback with his marker right before the half. Then, in the 52nd minute, Eddy Campbell pushed the lead to 2-1. That margin stood up for Lindsey Wilson as goalkeeper Yuta Nomura and the defense held strong.

Jamestown (N.D.), in its first-ever championship, gave No. 2-seed Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) a scare in the day’s final match. The Warhawks, a team that is a mere half-mile from the Emory Soccer Complex, gave the hometown fans a 3-2 victory. Jade Johnson was the offensive highlight for the Jimmies scoring both of Jamestown’s goals. His second came in the 41st minute and tied the score up at 2-2. However, Agust Arnarson’s game-winner in the 53rd minute handed the Warhawks their sixth-straight victory on the year.

NeuLion, the NAIA’s official video-streaming company of 12 select NAIA national championship events, will be broadcasting all matches of the 2012 Men’s Soccer National Championship final site in Montgomery, Ala. Single day packages can be purchased for $9.95, while an all-tournament pass is available for $29.95. For more information and to pre-register, click here.

For more information, click here.

Day One Championship Notes:
• Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) will make its first-ever Quarterfinal appearance after the 2-1 double OT win against No. 4 Rio Grande (Ohio). The Trojans picked up their first championship win all-time on Nov. 17 in the National Championship Opening Round.
• The Trojans keep alive a streak of unseeded teams winning in the Second Round. Since the format began with Opening Rounds in 2008, there has been at least one unseeded squad to pull off the upset.
• The double-overtime match to start the day was the fourth in this year’s National Championship – there were three such matches in the Opening Round.
• The No. 4 seed Rio Grande loses in the Second Round for the second-straight year. In 2011, No. 4 Mobile (Ala.) dropped a 3-0 match against William Carey (Miss.).
• Rio Grande loses in the Second Round for the second time in the last three years.
• After the 4-0 win over Ashford (Iowa), Concordia (Calif.) tied a school record with its 19th season win – the record ties the 2007 team that took a runner-up finish in the National Championship.
• Concordia (Calif.), the No. 3 seed, became the fourth-consecutive such seed to win its Second Round game.
• Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) is now on a seven-match winning streak in the National Championship with the last loss coming in the 2010 Opening Round. Overall, the Blue Raiders are 12-1 in their last 13 matches played in the postseason.
• Auburn Montgomery (Ala.) is one of four programs from the Southern States Athletic Conference, the most of any league in the National Championship final site.

No. 1 Notre Dame beat USC, books national title game slot

By: Leave a Comment

LOS ANGELES (Sporting Alert) — No. 1 Notre Dame fended off the challenges of University of Southern California to finish 12-0 on the season and booked its place in the National Championship game in Miami with a 22-13 victory on Saturday night.

The Fighting Irish came up big in the closing minutes of the game with some superb defensive plays, led by Te’o, Manti.

“I’m so proud of my great players and great coaches for the way we fought to get a great win and go undefeated this year,” Brian Kelly, head coach of Notre Dame said after the win.

Notre Dame tallied some 438 total yards with 24 first downs in the win, while running back Theo Riddick was big on the night with 146 yards and a touchdown.

Field goals were the biggest contribution to the scoring for Kelly’s team, with Kyle Brindza even coming up big with a career long 52-yard kick, which had given his team a 16-10 lead late in the second quarter.

The Irish will now face the winner of the Alabama vs Georgia SEC Championship game.

Notre Dame vs. USC Scoring Summary

1st Quarter ND – USC
11:34 ND FG
Kyle Brindza kicked a 27-yard field goal
3 – 0
2:22 ND TD
Theo Riddick rushed up the middle for 9 yard gain (Kyle Brindza made PAT)
10 – 0
2nd Quarter ND – USC
15:00 USC TD
Max Wittek passed to Robert Woods down the middle for 11 yard gain (Andre Heidari made PAT)
10 – 7
9:29 ND FG
Kyle Brindza kicked a 29-yard field goal
13 – 7
4:33 USC FG
Andre Heidari kicked a 39-yard field goal
13 – 10
0:01 ND FG
Kyle Brindza kicked a 52-yard field goal
16 – 10
3rd Quarter ND – USC
1:18 ND FG
Kyle Brindza kicked a 33-yard field goal
19 – 10
4th Quarter ND – USC
9:29 USC FG
Andre Heidari kicked a 21-yard field goal
19 – 13
6:02 ND FG
Kyle Brindza kicked a 19-yard field goal
22 – 13