Gulfport, MS-The Belhaven men's soccer team is making final preparations for their Southern States Athletic Conference semifinal match against Southern Polytechnic State University Thursday afternoon in Gulfport, MS. The Blazers, ranked 10th in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, are coming of a dominating 4-0 win over Southern Wesleyan University in the opening round contest this past Saturday.
The Blazers enter Thursday's game with an overall record of 15-1-2 and half not lost a match since September 25th. Aaron McLoughlin had a pair of goals against SWU on Saturday while Jose Robles and Achille Campion each added a goal. Robles scored the first goal of the match and was credited with the game winner. Guilherme Brandao leads Belhaven in goals, assists, and points so far this season with 12 goals, 7 assists, and 31 points. Stefan Fernandez is also having a big year for the Blazers with nine goals, six assists, and 24 points.
Goalkeeper Gautier Troch has made things difficult on opposing offenses all season long. Troch, a senior from Paris, France, continued his solid season in goal with three more saves and another shutout to his credit in the Southern Wesleyan match. Troch has made 70 saves and posted eight shut outs in 2010 while allowing only 10 opponent goals en route to a 15-1-2 record in goal this season. Troch has earned five SSAC Defensive Player of the Week awards and has been named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week this season. He is ninth in the NAIA in goals against per game at .570.
Southern Poly, ranked 23rd in the latest NAIA Top 25 Poll, enters Thursday's showdown with an overall record of 11-3-2 and have played very well down the stretch riding an eight game winning streak. The Runnin' Hornets defeated Spring Hill College 3-0 in the opening round game and are led on offense by Sean Grisham with 11 goals and 26 points. Emeka Maduka also has 26 points with 10 goals and is second on the team in assists with six behind Christian Castillo who boasts a team best 10. In goal, Eric Ati has allowed only six goals all year and has made 44 saves. As a team Southern Poly is outscoring opponents 48-11 in 2010.
The winner of Thursday's game will advance to the SSAC Championship on Saturday and earn an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. The SSAC gets two automatic bids with both going to each participant in the championship game. For the latest stats and scores, fans can visit the Dakstats tournament webpage by clicking here. For live stats of the Belhaven vs Southern Poly game fans can click here.
