FAIRMONT, W.Va. - A strong second half propelled the University of Charleston into the MEC Championship of Men's Soccer after defeating Urbana University 2-0 in the Mountain East Conference semifinals.

Urbana and Charleston split the season series. Each winning on the others' home field, but the second-seeded Golden Eagles were the aggressors on Thursday night. UC out-shot Urbana 7-2 in the first half, but the game remained scoreless at the break. Then, just 3 minutes into the second half, the Golden Eagles struck first on a 20-yard one-timer by Michael Hagarty. Renan Ramos provided the assist.

The Blue Knights turned the heat up over the next 12 minutes. Looking for the equalizer, Urbana was caught off guard by a Lewis Osborne turn and fire from 30 yards. First Team All-MEC Osborne's attempt found the top right corner of UU keeper Nathan Jones' net. The First Team All-Conference keeper made a diving stab at the rocket, but it sailed just out of his reach for a crucial two goal lead.

In the 72nd minute, Urbana saw its best opportunity for a goal hit the crossbar. MEC Freshman of the Year Ben Fitzpatrick sprayed a shot that would have halved the deficit if it had been 4 inches lower. Fitzpatrick's close call woke up the Golden Eagle defense which tightened down the stretch to preserve the shutout.

Charleston (11-5-1) is ranked one spot ahead of UU in the Atlantic Region, and MEC frontrunner Notre Dame College (15-2-0), is the top team in the region.

UC was one of only two teams to defeat the Falcons this season, taking a 3-2 decision at Schoenbaum Stadium on Oct. 9. The top four teams advance to the NCAA Division II Tournament. Charleston and Notre Dame will meet in the MEC Championship on Saturday afternoon at 4pm. Both squads will be looking for a win to secure their D-II tournament bid.