Box Score After four unsuccessful attempts at advancing to the NCCAA National Semifinals, the Lancaster Bible men's soccer team finally earned a first round victory on Wednesday night in Kissimmee, Fla. as they defeated Manhattan Christian, 2-1. The close calls of the 1986, 1992, 2009 and 2011 teams were all put to rest as the Chargers got goals from sophomore Josiah Groff and freshman Matt Nargi.

Groff scored late in the first half to give the Chargers a 1-0 halftime lead, while Nargi doubled the lead to 2-0 with 22 minutes to go. Manhattan Christian, playing with 10 men in the second half due to a red card late in the first half, cut the deficit in half late in the game, but could not get the equalizer. 

"I'm extremely proud of our effort tonight," Chargers Head Coach Tom Ardt said. "We were composed during some physical play and I think ultimately, that helped us stick together and stay organized."

Ardt praised Nargi for his great pass to Groff as well as for his goal which turned out to be the game-winner.

"We created chance after chance and credit Matt for finding Josiah with a great pass in the first half and then once again in the second half when he ripped a shot into the right-hand side of the net," Ardt said.

Ardt said the team played well together and is excited for the opportunity in front of them.

"Overall everyone showed up tonight and played with class and intensity," Ardt said. "It feels great to get this win and we have a great opportunity ahead of us tomorrow as we take on the top seed in Moody."

The Chargers (7-10-3) will now face top-seeded Moody Bible on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. The Chargers have never played the Archers, who have won the past two NCCAA Division II National Championships. 


Notes:
-The Chargers are now 2-1 all-time against Manhattan Christian.

-LBC has never faced Moody Bible. The Archers have won the past two NCCAA Division II National Championships.

-Groff's goal was his team-leading sixth of the season, while Nargi is now second on the team with five goals.