Box Score

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Thomas University Men's Soccer team defeated the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) 2-1 to capture the 2014 Sun Conference Championship.

SCAD jumped out to the early 1-0 lead in 17th minute when Taylor Katsanis connected with Alex Jamroz for his third goal of the year. The Night Hawks answered back with an equalizer just before halftime. In the 43rd minute First Team All-Conference selection Severin Abt threaded the needle with a perfectly placed pass between two SCAD defenders that connected with junior midfielder Lyle Gifford. Gifford blasted the shot to the near post from the left side of the 18 box. The first half ended with a 1-1 tie.

Second half action saw a defensive stance by both teams plotting out their strategy for execution with each possession. In the 80th minute, SCAD's Tom Rouine received a red card for a hard foul against Eric Persson that gave the Night Hawks an opportunity to take the lead by converting a penalty shot. Gifford lined the shot up and planted it firmly in the back of the net to give the Night Hawks the 2-1 lead. This goal would prove to be the winning difference in match.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Condell had a stellar night allowing the lone goal while saving four of the five shots on goal.

"This team has shown all year that they are relentless and determined," exclaimed head coach Ricky Zambrano. "Our players, coaches, and staff put in a lot of work to reach this moment. It is another step in our process, and we look forward to a repeat trip to the NAIA National Tournament."

This year's conference championship marks the second in a row for the Night Hawks as they successfully defended their 2013 title. This back-to-back championship is the first in Sun Conference history.

The Night Hawks (15-2-3), who are now qualified for the 2014 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Tournament, eagerly await Monday night's NAIA selection show to see who they will face in first round action. The NAIA National Championship Opening Round pairings for the men's soccer tournament will be announced with a live graphical selection show on Nov. 17 at 3 p.m EST / 2 p.m CST. Click here to watch your 2014 Sun Conference Champions Night Hawks and their official pairing.

For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit www.TUNightHawks.com and keep up with play-by-play coverage by following @NightHawksMSocc on Twitter.