Published On: Tue, Dec 5th, 2017

Lynn Soccer Falls in National Championship Game

After an improbable run to the final four of the Division II soccer season, the Lynn University Fighting Knights were knocked out in the championship game in penalty kicks by a score of 0-0 (3-1). The University of Charleston, West Virginia, captured their first national championship with the win.

Lynn’s final record on the season is 14-4-3. Charleston wrapped up with a fierce 22-1-2 mark. Though the Fighting Knights entered the tournament as the fourth seed in their bracket, they were able to advance through to the final four in Kansas City.

Their path to the final was not easy. Beginning with in-conference foes Palm Beach Atlantic, the Fighting Knights faced four straight opponents with more wins than Lynn. The scorching hot Knights were able to sweep their way into the championship game with key wins over 16-2-1 West Alabama and 16-2-2 Rockhurst.

Defense propelled the Fighting Knights to their solid second-place finish, as they did not score more than two goals in any of their four wins. Goalkeeper Alexander Roth allowed just two goals in regulation during the entire tournament. The senior finished his career among the leaders in program history in save percentage and goals allowed average.

Alun Webb lead the Knights with their only three shots on goal, and Lynn had a total of six shots. Though Charleston had four shots on goal and twelve total shots, the two teams’ chances were similar in nature. Both keepers dazzled, especially Charleston’s Paulo Pita.

Lynn and Charleston last met in the 2014 National Championship, where Lynn captured its third title. The runner-up finish is also their third since joining the NCAA. While the score stayed knotted at zero through 110 minutes, Charleston dominated penalties, ultimately scoring three to Lynn’s one.

Though the end of the season did not yield the result that the Knight’s wanted, the team has reason to be satisfied with the result. 2018 will bring optimism for the Fighting Knights, as the team is returning nine starters. All five of their defenseman will return as well.

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