Thomasville, GA. | Anyone in attendance at the TU Soccer Complex could feel the tension in the air, as #4 Thomas battled #5 Faulkner, for the right to stay alive in the Southern States Athletic Conference Men's Soccer Tournament.  Just over three weeks ago, these two teams battled were scoreless through 88 minutes, when Cameron Hawkins scored the game's only goal.  While Faulkner came into Friday's contest with a better overall record, Thomas owned the advantage within the SSAC, giving them the Night Hawks the right to host the opening round matchup.

Both teams played hard and aggressive.  Luiz Anchieta would take his aggression out on the ball, scoring the opening goal of the match in the 24th minute.  

Just six minutes later, Faulkner's Leo Freire would tie the score, on a Thomas defensive mistake that left a wide open net.  The score would remain tied at 1-1 at the half.

Early in the second half, the Eagles Caden Maldonado would put Faulkner ahead, 2-1, and raise the concerns of everyone at the complex.  

Thomas would not panic, though, as Will Nye would score on an assist from Connor Parry, who returned to action from injury, to tie the action at 2-2.  

Both teams continued to battle, with multiple shots, numerous shot-on-goal, and great defense by both teams and both goal keepers.  After regulation, the score remained tied at 2-2.  In regulation, Thomas out-shot Faulkner 19 (8 on-goal) to 11 (5 on-goal).

With dusk beginning to settle on the TU Soccer Complex, both coaches and captains gathered to make sure that they were on the same page, in reference to the overtime rules.  There would be two 10-minute periods, with a 2-minute intermission.  If the score remained tied, the match would be decided in a shootout.  And a shootout is what occurred, as neither team as able to score in overtime.  Faulkner out-shot Thomas six to one in overtime.

Now, with daylight essentially gone and night fast approaching , Thomas would win the coin toss, and elect to shoot last.  Each team would alternate shots, for five round, with the team that scored the most declared the winner.  Faulkner would miss their first opportunity.  Alex Ruane would hit the back of the net to give the Night Hawks the early advantage.  Faulkner would make their next two attempts, while Thomas would make one and miss one, to tie the shootout at 2-2.  Jorge Gonzalez would make a crucial save on Faulkner's fourth attempt, while Diego Sanchez would make Thomas' fourth attempt to raise the suspense for both teams.  

With Thomas leading 3-2 in the shootout period, Faulkner would hit the back of the net to tie the score, 3-3, to set up the drama.  Kieran McCombe would line up for the final shot of the period.  The ball would leave his right foot and hit the back of the net, for the goal.  McCombe would be mobbed by his teammates, as they congratulated him on his performance.  

With the shootout victory, Thomas advances to the semifinals of the  SSAC soccer tournament.  The Night Hawks will be in action on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. EST and the match will be held at the Emory-Folmer Soccer Complex.  For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU Men's soccer team by following them via X formally known as Twitter at @NightHawksMSocc.