BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – The University of Charleston men's soccer claimed its third consecutive NCAA DII Men's Soccer Atlantic Region title and advances to the National Quarterfinal after defeating Urbana University, 2-1, at Pioneer Soccer Park on the campus of Super Region 1 host LIU Post.
 
It marks the third time this season that the Golden Eagles have defeated the Blue Knights, but none as important as Thursday morning's victory.  The win sets up a showdown with Adelphi University on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. for a chance to return to National Semifinals, which would be UC's third straight appearance.  Adelphi advanced after defeating the host LIU Post, 3-0.
 
The Golden Eagles had a shocking start to Thursday's regional final, falling behind 1-0 in the second minute of play.  Urbana's Lars Blenckers was on the receiving end of a Raphael Northoff corner and masterfully headed the ball past UC's Paulo Pita to claim the early lead.  Fortunately, Charleston settled in and evened the match in the 24^th minute behind Felipe Antonio's ninth goal of the season.  Antonio collected a loose ball that was misplayed by the Blue Knight defense, saw that Urbana's Nathan Jones was off his line and chipped from around 30 yards out to tie the match at 1-1.
 
The game remained tied until just before half, when Charleston sub Freddie Tracey found himself at the right spot at the right time.  Antonio was looking for his second goal of the match but Jones made a great save on his blast from close range only the Blue Knight keeper didn't handle it cleanly.  The ball found its way to an on-rushing Tracey who tapped it in for the put back on an empty net, giving UC all they needed for the lead and the win.
 
It was a scoreless final 45 minutes as most of the half was played in the middle of the pitch with few opportunities for either team.  Charleston withstood Urbana's three shots in the second half as Pita had to make only three saves on the afternoon.