Though they could not win an NCCAA National Championship, the Lancaster Bible College men's soccer team could still end their season with a victory if they beat Manhattan Christian in the NCCAA National Tournament 5th Place Game. Unlike two years ago when LBC did win the 5th place game, Saturday it was not meant to be as Crusaders won, 3-2 in overtime.

The teams were tied 1-1 at the half, thanks to a goal by Chargers' senior Taylor Dooley. LBC Head Coach Tom Ardt thought the Chargers did a good job containing the Crusaders in the first half.

"They've won plenty of NCCAA National Championships thanks to their attacking style, but I thought we did a good job defensively today, even though we gave up the goals," Ardt said. "Unfortunately, they got the one that counted at the end."

Prior to overtime, the Chargers' got their second goal from another senior, Cory Greiser, who scored his seventh goal of the season and the 45th and final of his storied career. Greiser finishes third all-time in goals scored with 45 and fourth all-time with 107 points.

"I'm proud of the guys and the effort they put forth today," Ardt said. "It was great to see two seniors score, it's just too bad we couldn't send them off a better way."

Though they finished in sixth place at the NCCAA National Tournament, the Chargers did win their second NCCAA East Region Title in three seasons and made the NEAC Semi-Finals in the school's inagural season in the conference.

"We had ups and downs, but the team played well and it was a great run at the end," Ardt said. "We will miss the seniors, but we look to the future and hope to keep building a successful program."

LBC finishes the year, 10-12-3, the fourth straight season with double digit wins.


Lancaster Bible 3, Dallas Christian 1
After losing their opening round game to Northland, LBC rebounded with a 3-1 victory over #7 Dallas Christian. Sean Westerlund scored twice to lead the Chargers, while Taylor Dooley added a late goal to put the icing on the cake.

"We came out very slow," Chargers' Head Coach Tom Ardt said. "We just didn't play very smart for much of the first half. We had some chances thanks to our speed and counter attacking, but I thought we could have played better."

In the second half however, the Chargers came out firing and controlled much of the play for the second 45 minutes.

Westerlund's second goal of the day made it 2-1and gave LBC the breathing room it desired.

"The game was played on Dallas' half of the field in the second half and we were able to generate many more chances," Ardt said.

Forsyth was taken down in the box with a few minutes to go and Dooley converted the penalty kick to give LBC a two-goal lead.