Nov. 20, 2006

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - No. 2 Graceland University and No. 8 Azusa Pacific University will meet in the 7 p.m. title match of the 2006 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tuesday at Embry-Riddle Soccer Stadium.

 

Both teams recorded 1-0 victories in their semifinal matches - albeit in different ways.

 

Bret Loving's shorthanded goal in the second half was the difference as Graceland defeated No. 3 Webber International University.

 

The Yellowjackets will be making their first-ever appearance in the championship after being forced to play a man down after Facundo Rinaldi was sent off the pitch with 52 seconds remaining in the opening half. The Yellowjackets scored on Loving's free kick from outside of the box. Loving's kick somehow found a crease through the wall and the ball scampered past Webber International goalkeeper Tony Restino into the left corner of the net.

 

Azusa Pacific will be making its second consecutive appearance in the title match. Brandon Stirm's goal midway through the second half was a set piece off a free kick from 25 yards out as he curved the ball into the top of the net over the head of William Jewell's goalkeeper Andy Shields.

 

For more information on the 2006 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship, please go to http://www.naiasoccer.org or http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com.