MATTHEWS, N.C. – The Lynn Fighting Knights were crowned NCAA Division II National Champions with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Charleston (W.V.) at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, Saturday afternoon.
The Blue and White, who finished the season 20-0-2, cemented their legacy as the one of the greatest men's soccer teams in Lynn history with the undefeated campaign. This marks Lynn's seventh College Cup final appearance and fourth championship win.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Luis Kiefer struck the ball to the top left corner of the net from the right side of the penalty area from a Tony Gomez assist to take an early 1-0 lead in the 16th minute
- In the 26th minute Anton Mand contested the Charleston keeper, Nicolai Gundersen, and forced a save
- Just a minute later, Luan Barroso Rennstich doubled Lynn's advantage with a clinical finish inside the box after the keeper came off his line
- The Fighting Knights continued to dominate and made it 3-0 in the 30th minute as Gomez turned provider to scorer after he finished off an assist from Fabian Vyhnalek
- The Golden Eagles battled back in the second half, cutting into Lynn's lead with a penalty kick converted in the 54th minute
- Charlston reduced the deficit to one goal in the 81st minute with a well-placed header
- Despite Charleston's late push, Lynn's defense held firm to secure the 3-2 victory
FIGHTING KNIGHTS STATS:
- Lynn outshot Charleston 9-8, with six shots on target compared to opposition's five
- Kiefer tallied his eighth goal this year, officially being Lynn's top goalscorer this season
- Gomez recorded his sixth goal of the season while achieving his first assist this year
- Vyhnalek notched his 13th assist, a team-high for the year
- Goalkeeper Luca Clavero made three key saves, bringing his season total to 48
- 2024 marks head coach John Rootes' best season ever with the Fighting Knights, finishing the year with a 20-0-2 record
- This is Blue and White's fourth NCAA National Championship and sixth national trophy (NCAA: 2003, 2012, 2014; NAIA 1987, 1991)
Courtesy of Lynn Athletic Communications