WINTER PARK, Fla. – Carson-Newman (14-5) kicks off against Lander (12-5-1) tomorrow at 4 p.m. for its Sweet 16 matchup at Rollins College.
"The boys have enjoyed the trip we've had," Carson-Newman head soccer coach Richard Moodie said. "Not just to Orlando, but the whole experience of the National Tournament."
This is the first time the Eagles have advanced to the Sweet 16 since 2005 when Moodie was a player himself, and he and his team competed in the Elite Eight.
"We're confident about playing tomorrow," Moodie said, "and we should be. The boys have gotten through with their hard work and the talent of the squad."
Carson-Newman is coming off a big 3-1 win over no. 13 Limestone. Sindre Welo (Trondheim, Norway) opened the scoring in the 29th minute of action with a header goal off a free kick taken by Rurik Pereira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
Junior Jake Fielder (Talbott, Tenn.) claimed the game winner seven minutes after the Saints' lone goal. He chased down a ball that was seemingly a lost cause, beat the keeper and placed it in the back of the net.
SAC Player of the Year Ross Frame (Welshpool, Powys, United Kingdom) put in his 17th goal of the year with 13 minutes left in regular time to make the final score 3-1. Joao Dowsley (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is credited with the assist.
"We're very proud of the team," Moodie said, "and very proud to represent Carson-Newman at such a prestigious tournament."
Lander defeated SAC member Queens 2-1 Sunday to progress to the Sweet 16.
Clement Dauchy scored the first goal of the match, his 16th on the season, in the 71st minute to take the lead.
Seven minutes later, Michael Johansson got the game winner to advance his team.
"We're excited for tomorrow," Moodie said. "We'd just like to give a big thanks to all our supporters that will be watching the game from back home, and to those who have made their way down to Florida."
The match can be followed live at http://www.rollinssports.com/ViewArticle.dbmlDB_OEM_ID=19500&ATCLID=207564863.