LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The University of Charleston's bid for a national championship came up short falling 3-2 to Lynn on Saturday afternoon at Owsley B. Frazier Field on the campus of Bellarmine University.
 
The Golden Eagles conclude a remarkable season with a record of 22-1-1.
 
Lynn capitalized on an early miscue in the back that led to a turnover and strike from Nicolas Mortensen just four minutes into the match. The Fighting Knights doubled the lead only three minutes later with a beautiful strike from 23 yards out on a free kick from Chris Hellmann. Hellman would be at it again in the 32nd minute with another tally to give Lynn a 3-0 lead at the break.
 
UC, which had only trailed for seven minutes the entire season and had not trailed at halftime of any game this season, regrouped at the intermission. The Golden Eagles were able to control more possession but were still unable to get good looks in the final third. UC finally broke through in the 79th minute when Lewis Osborne threaded a perfect pass through the middle of the Lynn defense to the foot of Jules Gabbiadini who got it past the sliding keeper from 16 yards out for the score.

"We made some mistakes in the first half, which is uncharacteristic for the great season that we've had," said head coach Chris Grassie.
 
The momentum for UC continued, and the Golden Eagles still had hope as Will Roberts converted a penalty kick with less than a minute left. UC had a free kick opportunity with eight seconds left, but could not get any clear opportunity as Lynn held on for the victory and the national championship. 

"It was a great fight back," Grassie said. "The second half was more like us, and that showed our great spirit."