Cincinnati State claims regional soccer title with a win over Schoolcraft

By Nick Novy/Cincinnati State Sports Information

Muskegon, MI---The Cincinnati State capitalized on goals from Bradley Gale and Austin Klueh and stout defensive play to defeat Schoolcraft College, 2-1, to win the NJCAA Region XII men's soccer tournament championship on Sunday.
 
Gale tallied off a rebound in the 30th minute and Klueh headed the ball into the net off a direct kick from Liam Doyle in the 65th minute.  Schoolcraft cut into the lead with a goal in the 70th minute but the Surge defense, keyed by goalkeeper Ryan Strunk, held off the Ocelots' ensuring attacks.  Cincinnati State dominated the match over the defending regional champions, out-shooting Schoolcraft 9-6.
 
With the victory, the Surge avenged last year's regional championship loss to Schoolcraft.
 
Cincinnati State sophomore Justin Mitchell, who tallied both goals in Saturday's seminfinal win over Owens, was named tournament MVP. Strunk, Klueh, Bradley and midfielders Liam Doyle were named to the all-tournament team.
 
Cincinnati State, who improved to 16-5-1, will host the district championship game against Baltimore County Community College- Essex on Saturday at 3 p.m. The game will be played at the Xavier University Soccer Complex.
 
The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament in Perimeter, Georgia.

For more information on Cincinnati State soccer, please visit - http://www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/athletics