MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Belhaven men's soccer team is preparing for its showdown against MidAmerica Nazarene University in the NAIA National Championship Round of 16 Tuesday afternoon at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex in Montgomery, Alabama. The Blazers are making their fourth consecutive trip to the round of 16, claiming the national title a season ago.

The Blazers enter the contest as the number eight seed and own a record of 15-6-1 in 2013. Belhaven defeated unseeded University of St. Thomas (TX) 1-0 in the opening round on November 23rd at H.T. Newell Field. In the 43rd minute and on the 10th corner kick of the half, Victor Lawrence dropped a perfect pass into the box where Vijay Brahmbhatt was waiting to head it into the right corner of the net. It was Brahmbhatt's second goal of the season and first game winner to his credit in 2013. Lawrence collected his fourth assist of the season.

Belhaven goalie Carl Blundell didn't have to make a lot of saves, but the two he made were crucial. The first was a leaping deflection on a strike off the foot of Carlos Manrique in the 53rd minute and the second denied a potential goal by Jack Brett in the 83rd minute.

The Blazers are led on offense by senior forward Eduardo Cruz who comes into the round of 16 with eight goals, six assists, and 22 points. Senior Will Monsour isn't far behind with seven goals, five assists and 19 points. Belhaven has enjoyed a very balanced attack on offense this year with 21 players notching at least one goal. On defense, senior goalkeeper Carl Blundell has been a stalwart in net with 66 saves. Blundell has been credited with 14 of Belhaven's 15 wins in goal this season.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is 14-4-3 and the number nine seed as they venture into the round of 16 again this season. The Pioneers appeared in the semifinals in 2012, losing to Mobile who Belhaven eventually defeated in the national championship match. MidAmerica Nazarene played Kansas Wesleyan to a 0-0 tie in the opening round, but advanced on a penalty kick shootout setting up Tuesday's contest with Belhaven.

The Pioneers are one of the top defenses in the NAIA, boasting a national ranking of fourth in total shutouts with 11. Goalie Chris Eriksson is 10th in the nation giving up less than one goal per game. He comes in with 59 saves compared to only 16 goals against in 21 matches played.

Offensively, Eddie Morales is MidAmerica Nazarene's leading scorer with seven goals and seven assists in 2013. He also owns a team best 21 points. Teammate Aurelien Norest has recorded six goals and one assist leading to 13 points on the season.

"We know the level of competition we'll be facing and every team is fantastic in the field of 16 teams," said Belhaven Head Coach Brian McMahon. "We have a lot of respect for the teams and their coaches and we are happy to be back and have the chance to defend the national title."

Tuesday's kickoff is slated for 1:30 PM. Fans can stay up to date on all the latest news and information from the NAIA National Championships by clicking here.