HATTIESBURG, Miss. – #7 Carey picked up a crucial 2-1 win over #12 Life University to send themselves top of the SSAC standings.
 
"What a fantastic game from Jamie Barry tonight" said Head Coach Barry Farrell. "Proud of the boys with the way they came back tonight, they showed a lot of character. That is a fantastic, well-coached team."
 
With top spot in the SSAC at stake, both teams came out and played with the intensity the occasion called for.
 
The game's first chance fell the way of the Crusaders. Pedro Sao Tiago ran onto a long ball in the right-hand channel. Tiago drove down the wing and into the penalty area. He then cut onto his favored left foot and sent a whipped effort whistling past the far post.
 
The majority of the first half went in Life's favor. Life had five shots on goal in the first half but Jamie Barry proved up to the challenge as he kept the game scoreless. An error in possession from Carey gave Enrico Burigotto the ball just outside the Carey penalty area. Burigotto took his shot but couldn't get the best of Barry.
 
A good move from Life worked the ball across the field until it reached Kaito Nakayama on the left-hand side. Nakayama drove towards the bi-line before sending a ball across the six-yard box. Nakayama's cross deflected onto the post and fell to the feet of the Carey defense who cleared the ball from danger.
 
Life remained on top early as further shots from Manuel Carillo, Andrei Apostu, & Augusto Del Rio tested Barry.
 
Carey grew into the game as the half went on. The Crusaders soaked up the early pressure from Life, gradually building up successful periods of possession of their own. Carey produced their first shot on goal of the game off a set piece. Joshua Salas sent a long free kick into the box that found the head of Dennis Hamzic. Hamzic rose highest among a sea of bodies to head the ball on goal, but Pawel Wolny produced the save.
 
Life found the goal their play had warranted 8 minutes into the second half. Nakayama sent a ball over the top for Burigotto. Barry came out to intercept the ball but the ball deflected off him and bounced into the six-yard box. Alvaro Hidalgo jumped at the free ball and fired into the empty net.
 
Carey responded almost instantly as they tied the game at 1-1 two minutes later. Danny Mulero sent a lofted, hopeful ball into the back post, intended for Salas. The Life defender attempted to shepherd the ball out of play, but didn't read the flight of the ball properly as the ball deflected back into play off his foot. Salas pounced on the unclaimed ball, sending a lofted ball into the back post. A poor clearance from the Life defender dropped at the feet of Santiago Molina who tapped the ball into the empty net.
 
Life continued to go on the offensive, creating the better goal scoring opportunities. Despite Life's better chances and majority share of possession, Barry and the Carey defense were able to handle everything the Running Eagles could throw at them.
 
Andrei Apostu thought he had put life ahead as he was played through on goal by Nakayama. Apostu's touch took him a little wide of goal than he'd have liked, but he still got his shot off. Jamie 'The Brick Wall" Barry pulled off yet another save to keep the game level.
 
With five minutes left, it was time for someone to step up and make themselves the hero. Tiago, who had been a thorn in Life's side all game, was fouled just outside the box on Carey's left. With Tiago down on the field, Danny Mulero was brought off the bench to replace him and take the set piece. Mulero stepped up and sent a dipping effort into the back post. Mulero's effort looked to be going just wide of the right post before a diving header from a flying Teddy Miranda sent the ball into the net, and the Crusaders into dreamland.
 
Carey managed the game excellently in the last 5 minutes to make sure they held on for the win. With the win, the Crusaders sent themselves to the top of the SSAC standings.
 
Jamie Barry finished the game with 7 saves on the night and a man of the match performance.
 
The Crusaders are back in action on Saturday, October 18^th as they host Dalton State. That game is set to get underway at 4 PM at Danny Owens Field.