The UCA men’s soccer team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Queens in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament Nov. 9. 

“The team played with a great deal of intensity and grit today — they are very happy that we will get to play another match as a team, “ coach Frank Kohlenstein said. 

The first shot of the game was attempted by UCA senior midfielder Sohma Ichikawa but was saved by Queens freshman goalkeeper Matheus Rhormens. 

10 minutes later, Queens got on the board with a goal from sophomore midfielder Cole Pumpian. 

This gave Queens an early 1-0 lead 21 minutes into the first period. 

UCA tried to strike back and even up the score after three shots were attempted. Two by senior midfielder Tajio James, and one by junior forward Pietro Fontana. 

Unfortunately, none of these shots connected, leaving UCA scoreless. 

However, the Bears were finally able to get on the board with a goal by Fontana while being assisted by Ichikawa. 

The score at the end of the first period was 1-1. 

Although both teams attempted multiple shots throughout the second period, neither team could connect with the goal. That was until 76 minutes into the game when Tajio was able to connect for a goal to take the lead for the Bears. His goal was assisted by Rhormens. 

Kohlenstein has shown great appreciation for Tajio so far this season. 

“Tajio has worked very hard in training so that he can do more for the team — he is showing what incredible skill, talent and drive he has to help the Bears win, ” Kohlenstein said. 

80 minutes into the game, Queens attempted a corner kick that was unable to connect with the goal. 

Both teams ultimately attempted 3 corner kicks in the entire game with none of them connecting. 

Quickly after the corner kick by Queens, freshman midfielder Rodrigo Canovas was able to connect for the Royals’ second goal of the game, making the score 2-2 with only 10 minutes left of regulation. 

Immediately after the game-tying goal by Conovas, UCA struck back with one of their own on a kick by James. 

87 minutes into the game, a yellow card was called on Queens sophomore midfielder Roberto Alvarez. 

Unfortunately for the Royals, their season would be cut short by the Bears as they could not crawl back in this quarterfinal matchup, ultimately losing the game 3-2. 

As for UCA, they advanced to the semifinals where they took on the Stetson Hatters…

After a slow start to the game for both sides, it turned out to be a strong finish for the Bears as they claimed the semifinal victory over the Hatters, 3-0.