The No. 8 Georgia Gwinnett College men's soccer team scored two goals in the first 14 minutes of action at the 2017 NAIA national championship tournament. That early advantage held up in defeating No. 9 Vanguard University (Calif.) 2-1 Monday afternoon from the Seacrest Soccer Complex.

The victory propels the Grizzlies (13-3-2) to the quarterfinal round of the national tournament.

GGC made its scoring chances count in the match, scoring two goals on its three shots on target. The first shot of the match came in the ninth minute when freshman Toni Tiente struck a volley from the six-yard box after a cross by senior Jack Gurr.

Then, a Gurr corner kick found the back of the net in the 14th minute when he connected with senior Ellis Husband to give the Grizzlies a 2-0 lead.

Vanguard (16-4) got on the scoreboard in the 22nd minute on a goal by Nathan Miramontes.

Freshman goalkeeper Matija Gligorovic made four saves and kept the Lions from tying the match in the second half.

GGC advances to quarterfinal round of the NAIA national championship tournament Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 1:30 p.m. The Grizzlies are making their first appearance at the final site.

PHOTO GALLERY

Turning Point

Leading 1-0 after an early goal the Grizzlies struck again on a beautiful corner kick to grab a 2-0 advantage. Senior Jack Gurr sent the corner kick to the middle of the six-yard box. Senior Ellis Husband header shot went to the far post for a key second goal in the 14th minute.

Goals

9' – Georgia Gwinnett Toni Tiente (Jack Gurr)

14' – Georgia Gwinnett Ellis Husband (Jack Gurr)

22' – Keiser Nathan Miramontes (Sebastian Cortez)

Inside The Numbers

• Vanguard held a 16-9 shot advantage in the match.
• Two of GGC's three shots on goals found the back of the net.
• Freshman Amin Saheb Ettabaa led the Grizzlies with two shots.
• Freshman goalkeeper Matija Gligorovic made four saves.
• Senior Jack Gurr provided assists on both goals.

News & Notes

• GGC improves to 13-3-2 on the season, while Vanguard ended the 2017 season with a 16-4 record.
• GGC is the No. 8 national seed in the 31-team tournament field. Vanguard is the tournament's No. 9 seed.
• The Grizzlies were making their debut to the NAIA national championship tournament final site.
• Head Coach Steve DeCou picked up his first victory at the NAIA national championship tournament. He took Belhaven twice to the final site.

Up Next

Georgia Gwinnett College advances to the quarterfinal round of the 2017 NAIA national championship tournament Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 1:30 p.m. against No. 1 Oklahoma Wesleyan University from Seacrest Soccer Complex in Delray Beach, Fla.