HATTIESBURG, Miss. - An early lead wasn't enough for the upset bid to carry through despite a scrappy effort from Faulkner against the No. 14 nationally ranked Crusaders of William Carey in the quarterfinals of the SSAC Men's Soccer Championship, presented by Newk's Eatery Thursday afternoon at Danny Owens Field.

Six-seeded Faulkner got ahead early in the 10th minute when Caden Maldonado headed home a cross from Pepe Riofrio after a great buildup started by Maldonado and a good holdup dribble by Freire who found Juan Rojas who flipped the field to Riofrio for the dime. It was Riofrio's fourth assist in the last five Faulkner goals.

The lead was short lived as Faulkner was assessed a red card in the 22nd minute and then Billy Boag scored for the Crusaders in the 26th. Andre Ferreira made several crucial stops to keep the match level at halftime with four big saves after the first 45. 

Faulkner defended well in the match with the shorthanded squad, but third-seeded William Carey found the difference-making goal in the 64th with Billy Boag scoring again,

The Eagles end the season 7-7-2. Read Full Article