Brief: Men’s soccer team claims GSC title, NCAA berth
The Flames captured their first GSC Championship in program history. Photo courtesy of Lee Flames.
The Lee men's soccer team claimed its first Gulf South Conference Championship in program history on Sunday afternoon, shutting out West Florida 1-0 in the championship game at Ashton Brosnaham Park.
The lone goal of the game came from Yotam Balbul in the 81st minute of play. Balbul headed in a corner cross from Jared McWhorter to give the Flames a late lead.
Senior goalkeeper Daniel Hrenko posted his ninth clean sheet of the season, which included three big saves. The entire Flames defense was committed to keeping West Florida off the scoreboard.
"These guys have a lot to be proud of, and they will go down in the record books for this accomplishment. I'm very proud right now," said Head Coach Derek Potteiger.
Balbul was named the GSC Tournament MVP. He was joined on the all-tournament team by defenders Jonah Bryan and Samir Williams, along with forward Samaan Williams.
The Flames will now turn their attention to the NCAA tournament, where they were selected as the No. 9 seed in the Super Region 2. The Flames will make their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championship on Thursday at 6 p.m. against Queens (N.C.) in Boca Raton, Florida.
