Grizzlies Win 2016 A.I.I. Men's Soccer Title
The Georgia Gwinnett men's soccer team won its third Association of Independent Institutions' Men's Soccer Championship in four seasons on Saturday, defeating Johnson & Wales (Colorado) 2-0 in the championship match held at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Denver, Colorado
"I'm so thrilled that we were able to bring the trophy back home to Lawrenceville," stated GGC Head Coach Steve DeCou. "I'm proud of the boys and how they battled and fought through a tough environment tonight. Now, we head home and prepare for next week's NAIA National Tournament."
Notably, the Grizzlies (13-3-3) did not surrender a goal during the A.I.I. tournament, limiting opponents to a combined 12 shots in two matches.
Georgia Gwinnett struck first in the 33rd minute when junior Jack Gurr lifted a cross from the right side of the box to Pierre Semudenge Mujene. In the middle of the 18-yard box, Semudenge Mujene tapped a roller to freshman striker Jumar Oakley, enabling Oakley to side-step a Wildcat defender and place a left-foot blast into the right corner of the net.
The Green and Gray held the 1-0 advantage heading into intermission, limiting Johnson & Wales to just three first-half shot attempts.
In a very physical game that witnessed eight yellow cards and one red card given out during the contest, the GGC defensive line maintained its focus and allowed just one JWU shot in the second half, converting the Grizzlies 12th shutout of 2016.
Senior Matti Puranen cemented the Grizzlies' victory in the 73rd minute, scoring GGC's second and final goal of the match. Off a free kick by Gurr from 30 yards out, Puranen sprinted through the 18-yard box and headed the ball into the net.
During the post-game trophy presentation ceremony, Ellis Husband, Lewis Sharpe, Andrew White and Oakley were tabbed as All-A.I.I. Tournament selections while Samuel Sampaio Gomes was selected as the championship's Most Outstanding Player.
