HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Late game heroics pushed the Crusaders over the line in a game they dominated from start to finish.
 
William Carey came out the blocks on fire. The Crusaders began the game at a frantic pace and looked like they were going to run away with it. Caoimhin McConnell and Marc Guerrero were instrumental in the first half for the Crusaders. Always looking to get on the ball and always the first to snuff out any attack Middle Georgia looked to create.
 
The Knights rarely crossed the halfway line and if they did they were unable to muster any real offense as they did not have a shot in the first half. However, it was the Knights defense that would stand tall. Numerous Carey attacks and shots came to nothing as the Knights defense warded off most Crusader attacks and the keeper able to keep out the rest.
 
Carey's 11 shots and 6 corners were evidence to the domination they exerted in the first half. The Crusaders were excellent on the press and were able to turn the ball over in their attacking third off of Middle Georgia goal kicks but couldn't capitalize. Numerous blocked Crusader shots kept the first half scoreless and still in search of their opening goal.
 
A second half that almost mirrored the first. The Crusaders dictated the play for the entirety of the second half, only allowing a solitary shot that was blocked from 35 yards out. The Crusaders were unable to create any clear-cut chances but controlled possession and threatened the Knights defense throughout.
 
With under five minutes left on the clock, Kolby Godbolt was the hero that gave Carey all three points. Luka Brandic picked up the ball wide on the right-hand side, picked his head up, and spotted numerous Carey shirts inside the Middle Georgia penalty area. With a swing of his right foot, Brandic found the head of Godbolt who glanced a header into the bottom right-hand corner and sent Carey on their way to the win.
 
Henry Hampshaw collected the clean sheet in between the sticks. Hampshaw did not have to record a save during the game but his constant communication ensured the Crusader backline were on their toes and aware to any danger the Knights posed.
 
The Crusaders are back in action on Saturday, September 28^th as they host Brewton-Parker at Danny Owens Field at 3:30 PM.