Box Score DELRAY BEACH, Fla. --- It was a heart-breaking evening in Delray Beach, Florida, as Biola Men's Soccer's historic season came to a dramatic, double-overtime close against No. 3 Missouri Valley College. 
 
As Biola continued its fifth all-time appearance in the NAIA National Championship Tournament, the underdog Eagles proved that they were more than capable of mixing it with anyone at the tournament by scoring the first goal just 55 seconds into game. The opening goal came courtesy of Jarrett Pugh, whose performance in the center of the park was mature and masterful throughout. 
 
The early breakthrough came after great pressure from Leo Contreras caused a bad clearance, which Pugh was able to capitalize on. However, the incredible start was short-lived for the Eagles as over the course of 12 minutes MVC equalized and took the lead through two tremendous, unstoppable strikes. Those two goals led to a sustained period of possession and pressure for the Vikings, but as the game continued Biola found its feet again and started to move the ball better.
 
The first half came to a close at 2-1, thanks to John Hanscom's goal-line heroics, heading clear the Vikings' only shot of the half that did not find the back of the net—off of the line. While MVC looked to be the more comfortable side throughout the first half, Biola was right with them and looked to be the fitter of the two sides.
 
The second half was a complete script-flip, with Biola assuming the more aggressive role and hoarding the lion's share of possession too. There was no doubt who was the better side throughout the half and the Eagles' constant pressure was finally rewarded in the 79th minute as Hanscom received a pass from Daniel Martinez and played in captain Joey O'Keefe, who scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season high into the net from just inside the box.
 
The pace and precision of the Vikings' attack was constantly snuffed out by Parker Setran, Riley Waldeck, Sammy McKay and Clayton Mohler, who were all phenomenal defensively after the early chaos. Kousei Mattox was his typical dynamic and consistent self as the Eagles' defensive midfielder, working all across the park tirelessly.
 
With chances few and far between, Contreras tried to create a spark going forward, with the assistance of senior-captain Stephen Tanquary, Cristhian Aparicio, and substitute Thomas Samayoa, however the Eagles were often unable to find the final clinical pass to unlock a susceptible Viking backline.
 
At the end of regulation, the teams were tied at two forcing golden goal overtime and the potential for penalty kicks should neither team break the deadlock. Marshall Deogracia was entered into the game to bring another spark, as was Devin Leon, who was brilliant and creative in his first game since suffering an injury against Hope International in the GSAC Tournament semifinals. 
 
As the teams jostled for anything—neither giving an inch—the Vikings created a golden chance at the end of the first OT, but JT Addington came up with a huge save to deny the Vikings. However, the Vikings bagged a 2OT winner in the 104th minute that brings this incredible Eagles season to a gut-wrenching culmination.
 
To say that this team was special is an understatement. From the beginning of the season, this has been a group of inspired and inspiring young men who came together with humility and respect to record a historic season. Faced with challenges, they overcame everything, fighting their way to an impressive 15-5-1 record, a GSAC Championship and GSAC Tournament Championship. 
 
Head Coach Elkins and assistant coaches Phil Yovino, Bryan Price, Michael Kute, and Zach Bautista set a tone that an exceptionally mature and encouraging senior class embodied on the field.
 
It was a pleasure to watch the team perform on a weekly basis, and it has been a privilege for Biola Athletics to field such a great group of young men.
 
Congratulations to Biola Men's Soccer for representing themselves, their school, and God with class and grace.