Methodist and Greensboro advance to Tournament Championship

Rocky Mount, NC - Third-seeded Methodist University and fourth-seeded Greensboro College stunned the USA South's top two seeds on Friday afternoon, downing #2 Christopher Newport and #1 North Carolina Wesleyan by 1-0 scores, respectively, to advance to the 2007 Tournament Championship.  Methodist's Evan Monteiro scored the game-winner against CNU, while Greensboro's Jay Wyatt did the honors against the previously undefeated Bishops.

In the first semifinal match, Monteiro booted home a Mike DeMara pass in the 44th minute to give the Monarchs a 1-0 lead at the break.  MU's defense did the rest as keeper Sean Brennan made four saves. 

The Captains pushed for the equalizer late and actually had a shot bounce off the crossbar with two seconds remaining in regulation.  CNU out-shot the Monarchs 11-7 in the game. 

In the second semifinal, Greensboro and Wesleyan fought to 0-0 tie at the break and seemed be destined for overtime as both squads squandered scoring opportunities.  Wyatt, however, managed to find the back of the net in the 68th minute, and the Pride held on for the victory.  Troy Mellanson was credited with the assist.

Both teams recorded 10 shots.  GC's Kurt Gardiner made six saves, while NCWC's Alberto Faisca made four in suffering his first loss of the season.

Greensboro has now eliminated NC Wesleyan from the USA South Tournament three consecutive years.

Tomorrow's winner will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.  Game time is slated for 2:00 p.m. at Scalf Field.