December 2, 2009

RedStorm blank Biola; advance to semi's

Fresno, CA --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men's soccer team, the No. 3 seed, blanked unseeded Biola (CA) 4-0 in the quarterfinals of the NAIA Men's National Soccer Tournament on Wednesday night at Ramirez Field.

Rio Grande (18-3-2) scored all four goals in the first half and cruised to the fourth national semifinal appearance in school history. 

Sophomore mid-fielder Joel Thiessen (Newcastle, Australia) started the scoring for the RedStorm in the 25^th minute. As it turned out, Thiessen's goal would be the only tally Rio would need on the night, but they were far from finished. It would be the first two scores in the game for Thiessen.

Freshman forward Scott Bibby (Doncaster, England) made the score 2-0 with a goal in the 33^rd minute. Junior mid-fielder Phil Stansfield (Yorkshire, England) delivered the ball into the box and was credited with the assist.

Thiessen's second goal came in the 37^th minute on a free kick upping the count to 3-0 in favor of Rio Grande. 

Rio would close out the scoring with 90 seconds left in the opening half on a goal from junior mid-fielder Dylan Williams (Bangor, Wales). Bibby was credited with the assist. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Jordan Lower (South Webster, OH) posted two saves in notching the shutout. 

Biola, the Cinderella team of the tournament, finishes the season at 13-5-4. 

Rio advances to face No. 15 seed The Masters (CA) College, who upset No. 7 seed Notre Dame College 3-1. 

Rio and The Master's will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. EST on Friday evening for the right to play for the national championship.