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Moody defeats Maranatha in high-scoring game

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by Chris Lieberman copy editor

After losing to Maranatha Baptist University in the national semi- final last November, the Moody men’s soccer team avenged the de- feat to their archrivals on Friday, winning 4-3. This victory gives the Archers the upper hand in regional competition, paving the way for a potential fifth consecu- tive trip to the NCCAA Division II National Tournament.

The game saw considerable back-and-forth action to begin the first half before senior captain Craig Zebell opened the scoring with a goal in the 23rd minute to put the Archers up 1-0. This was followed by goals from junior Dylan Matthews in the 24th minute and senior Andrew Hempel in the 26th minute to open a 3-0 lead. Maranatha responded with a goal of their own in less than a minute, but Zebell answered immediately after with another goal, putting the Archers up 4-1 in the 35th minute. Maranatha scored again in the 36th minute, concluding a period of 12 minutes which saw six goals. Maranatha scored again early in the second half, but the defense stood strong and preserved the 4-3 victory.

“The boys really showed up and we played well as a team,” Zebell said following the game. “We are definitely turning a corner [in the season] and it’s awesome to see that.”

The Archers enjoyed play- ing in front of a larger crowd than usual, thanks in part to a RACO promotion that gave free Chick-fil-A sandwiches to the first 75 students who showed up. Fans also participated in a halftime com- petition on the field, pitting a team of American students against a team of interna- tional students in a game of soccer with a massive beach ball. The Archers rewarded the energetic crowd with an exciting, high-scoring game and a Moody victory.

As reigning Division II National Champions, Maranatha looks to be Moody’s most formidable challenge to winning the Midwest Region for the fifth consecutive year and fourth national title in the last five seasons. Maranatha is the only NCCAA Division II team to beat Moody during coach Chris McHugh’s time at the helm. The team is 28-1 in NCCAA Division II contests during this span.

With the win, the Archers improve to 2-6 this season and 1-0 against divisional opponents. Should the Archers continue their divisional success, they will host the regional semifinal and final in late October. This sets the stage for a likely Moody- Maranatha regional final in Chicago on Saturday, Oct. 31. “Maranatha is always a great team,” Zebell said. “We love and respect them, and we are excited to face them again soon.”

The Archers play next at home on Friday, Oct. 2 at 3:00 p.m. against Andrews University. The Archers will also play at home on Oct. 3 at 3:00 p.m. against Great Lakes Christian College.


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