Tweet #theGAC – Southern Nazarene captured its first Great American Conference/MIAA Men’s Soccer Championship title in program history with a 1-0 victory against Rogers State on Sunday at Wes Harmon Field.

Bruno Ferreira’s low blast past Hillcat goalkeeper Declan Viljoen in the 21st minute stood up as the lone goal in the contest for only the second 1-0 final in GAC/MIAA Championship history. The Hillcats (10-4-6) put together a great opportunity in the 38th minute when a Southern Nazarene (12-5-3) defender cleared an Erik Hjertsson attempt off the goal line.

Late in the second half, the Hillcats posed multiple threats on goal. In the 76th minute, a Marcos Vasallo try missed just wide; in the 78th minute Michele Barletta made a diving save on a Luke Morgan attempt and in the 79th minute, a Morgan free kick hit the crossbar.

In helping the Crimson Storm record two shutouts, Eric Romero earned Tournament MVP honors. Ferreira and Barletta claimed spots on the All-Tournament Team as did Shun Kushima and Rennato Ramos. Morgan, Matthew Sweetman and George Robinson represented the Hillcats on the Team. Northeastern State’s Luan Lamas and Daniel Burton plus Fort Hays State’s Tadig Walsh and Ethan Doud rounded out the 12-member team.

The Crimson Storm secured the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Rogers State entered the weekend positioned 12th in the Super Region 3 Rankings. The selection show airs at 5:30 p.m. on Monday on NCAA.com.