FRESNO, Calif. - (box score) (Updated Bracket) In a match-up of postseason rookies, unseeded Martin Methodist (Tenn.) made its one shot on goal count Tuesday in the final match of the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Second Round at Ramirez Field. The RedHawks notched a goal in the 76th
minute to defeat No. 8 Southern Poly State (Ga.) 1-0. Martin Methodist now advances to compete against No. 1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) at 7 p.m. PST on Wednesday in Quarterfinal action.In a defensive match-up, there was little offense in the early going. Through the first 30 minutes, neither team placed a shot on goal. SPSU ended the game with six shots on goal and 16 total shots. Martin Methodist posted eight total shots but just the lone one on goal.
With the game still scoreless well into the second half, a Southern Poly State defender tried the clear in front of his own net, but Martin Methodist's Fernando Barbeiro picked up the loose ball. He dribbled in the unassisted game-winner in the 76th minute, his third goal of the year.
The RedHawks had just one shot on goal in 90 minutes, but the one by Barbeiro was all that was needed.
Goaltender James Coleman posted the complete-match win for Martin Methodist.
Southern Poly State ends its season with a 14-2-1 overall record.
Hosted by Fresno Pacific (Calif.) University and the Fresno Sports Council, the Championship will turn to Quarterfinal action on Wednesday with No. 5 Simon Fraser (B.C.) facing No. 4 Embry-Riddle (Fla.) at 11:30 a.m. PST in the day's first match. For more information on the Championship, click here.
NOTES: Martin Methodist is the first unseeded team in the National Championship final site to defeat a seeded opponent.... Southern Poly State fails to score a goal for the first time this year (in 17 matches)... There were a combined 24 fouls whistled with each team having 12.
