LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - In a thrilling and closely contested matchup, the #3 Washington Adventist University (WAU) men's soccer team narrowly succumbed to #2 Bellevue University, 0-1, in the Central Athletic Conference (CAC) Tournament Semifinals on Thursday, November 9, 2023. The clash of these two fierce teams occurred at the Grizzly Soccer Complex in Lawrenceville, GA, as both teams fought tooth and nail for a spot in the coveted CAC Tournament Finals.

Both teams displayed intense competitiveness and a hunger for victory from the onset. The match swiftly turned into an intriguing chess match, with both teams tactically maneuvering across the field. WAU's defense proved to be resolute, repelling countless Bellevue attacks and denying them any clear-cut chances on goal.

The first half saw an intense battle for control in midfield, with neither team gaining a significant advantage. The Bruins relied on a late first-half tally and a stingy defensive effort to defeat No. 3 Washington Adventist University (Maryland) 1-0. Jake Cover curved a shot inside the right post in the 43rd minute to produce the game-winning tally for the Bruins.

The Bruin's goalkeeper, Taariq Ganga, kept the Shock off the scoreboard throughout the 90-minute match, stopping three shots on goal in recording the team's seventh straight shutout. Bellevue recorded seven of its ten shots in the first half while limiting WAU to just five shots in the match.

Thijs Velhorst paced the Shock with three shots, and goalkeeper Gregorio Capponi made four saves in the match.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, the WAU men's soccer team should be proud of their performance in the CAC Tournament. They fought bravely until the end and showcased their ability to compete at the highest level. Head Coach Daniel Carroll admired the team's effort, mentioning, "Today marks the end of a chapter, not the story. Our journey in this tournament has been a testament to the heart and resilience of a team that defied expectations. We may have closed this season with a tough loss, but it's merely a comma in the sentence of our journey. Our young team, built on the foundation of fresh talent and unwavering unity, has shown sparks of brilliance. We've laid the cornerstone for what's to come."

With their season ending, the WAU men's soccer team will reflect on the achievements and lessons learned throughout the year. The close defeat to Bellevue will serve as a strong motivator for the team as they look ahead to future seasons and strive to reach even greater heights in the CAC Tournament.

"This is not just our mark on this tournament; it's the preface of our story in the national scene," Carroll said. "Next year, we will stand taller, play smarter, and push harder. Our mark will not just be felt locally but will resonate nationally. We've tasted the competition, felt the intensity, and now we hunger for more. The lessons learned, the experiences gained, will be the arsenal in our quest for greatness."

Velhorst and Giovanni Torrente were named to the CAC Men's Soccer Championship All-Tournament Team.

The Shock collected three specialty awards: Freshman Gregorio Capponi, Goalkeeper of the Year; freshman George Tidmarsh, Newcomer of the Year; and Coach Carroll, Coach of the Year for the first time in program history.

Capponi posted nine shutouts and a .825 save percentage, leading to a 10-5-2 record in 14 starts for Washington Adventist. He made 47 saves and allowed just ten goals in his first collegiate season.

Tidmarsh paced the Shock's offensive attack with 13 goals and six assists for 32 total points. The midfielder attempted 50 shots, with 27 being on goal, while starting 12 of the 16 matches he appeared in this fall.

Carroll guided Washington Adventist to a 10-5-2 overall record and 4-1-1 mark against league opponents – vital attributes that qualified the program for its first appearance in the CAC tournament. The team's record was a four-win improvement from 2022.

"Our freshmen, who fought as warriors this year, will evolve into seasoned athletes, stronger and more skilled," Carroll said. "We take this season as our catalyst, our fuel for the future. Every defeat, every victory, every moment of growth will serve as the building blocks for what's ahead."

In addition to the specialty awards, forward Ben Cooksley, defender Riku Kawano, and goalkeeper Capponi received CAC All-Conference First Team honors; midfielders Marlon Rodriguez and George Tidmarsh received Second Team honors; forward Aidan Hidassy and midfielder Velhorst received Honorable Mention honors; and Pedro Rebello received Champion of Character.

"The journey continues," Coach Carroll said. "Today, we plant the seeds for tomorrow's victory. Our ambition knows no bounds. Watch out for us; the Shock will be felt far beyond this tournament. Our story had just begun."

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