[Box Score] [WPU Recap] [Oregon Tech Recap]
CORVALLIS, Ore. – For the second year in a row, it took overtime to determine the Cascade Collegiate Conference Men’s Soccer Tournament Champion, despite what the final scoreline might show. Top-seeded Warner Pacific University grabbed a 3-0 victory over second-seeded Oregon Tech to win the 2022 CCC Men’s Soccer Tournament Championship, presented by U.S. Bank.
The No. 21-ranked Knights earned their first tournament title since 2009 and moved to 18-0-3 on the year. The Hustlin’ Owls drop to 13-2-4 overall.
WPU put the pressure on early and got three shots off in the first 12 minutes, including a dangerous look from Matias Castano that looked like it was going into the top corner of the net. Oregon Tech’s Joel Witts came out of nowhere to tip it out of bounds, however, and keep the two teams even at 0-0.
Three minutes later, Oregon Tech had a chance as Cooper Hunt tried to redirect a corner kick, but his header shot was just wide.
The scoreless drought carried over into the second half, forcing overtime for the second straight year. Unlike last year’s championship, however, a golden goal wouldn’t secure the championship after the overtime rules had changed.
Just two minutes before the first overtime period expired, Hunter Leach broke through for the Knights. Erik Mattice drove a cross into the 18-yard box, finding Leach, who tucked it away to put WPU in front 1-0.
With just about 12 minutes left to play, WPU had to hold firm to not let the Owls equalize. Cade O’Neill gave OIT a good look in the 103
rd minute, but WPU goalkeeper Alexis Calderilla came up with a much needed save to hold onto the lead.
Seconds later, the Knights struck again as the NAIA’s leading scorer broke to tack on some insurance. Castano and Kai Flugel combined to feed Andrew Martinez a through ball in behind the OIT backline, where he tucked it away with ease, 2-0.
The Owls turned up the intensity in the final six minutes, but that may have got the best of them as Oregon Tech earned a red card and WPU was awarded a penalty kick with three minutes to go. Castano converted the PK to all but seal the victory.
John Sarna gave the Owls one last chance, putting a shot on goal but Calderilla made the save to preserve the shutout for the Knights.
Both teams have earned their spots in the NAIA National Tournament and will learn their fate for the Opening Round on Monday at 10 a.m. Pacific on the
NAIA YouTube Channel.