Decatur, Alabama — Championship Campus is about to hang another banner, and for the first time in 24 years, this banner is RED, as the Bethel University Men’s Soccer team won the 2022 NAIA National Championship, defeating Mobile (AL) 3-1 at the Jack Allen Soccer Complex. The national title is the school’s 45th overall and the first NAIA title in the program’s storied history.
Junior Luan Bressy continued his offensive onslaught when he struck early with a turnaround goal in the 12th minute to put the Pilots up 1-0. It wouldn’t take long for Bressy to find the back of the net again as he put the Pilots up by two in the 15th minute off a cross by Tim Noeding.
The Pilots took that 2-0 lead into half-time and when Piero Sabroso scored off a double assist by Noeding and Julian Vargas, Bethel’s lead swelled to 3-0 over the University of Mobile Rams.
The Rams would score on a penalty-kick in the 57th minute, but it would not be enough to create a comeback as both teams battled the last 25 minutes through a heavy downpour to close out the match.
This is the first NAIA National Championship for Bethel since 1998 when the Men’s Basketball team won their third NAIA Championship.
The Pilots close out their season with an astounding record of 23-1-1 and won their last 22 games, with their only loss coming over three months ago on September 1st at Central Methodist (MO).
SCORING SUMMARY
’12| Luan Bressy (BU) unassisted
’15| Luan Bressy (BU) assisted by Tim Noeding
’54| Piero Sabroso (BU) assisted by Tim Noeding and Julian Vargas
’57| Sebastian Jorgge (MU) unassisted
2022 NAIA National Championship All-Tournament Team
Finn Popescu Goalkeeper
Gabriel Pacheco Defender
Tim Noeding Midfielder
Andres Latorre Midfielder
Luan Bressy Forward