Wichita, Kan.— Mario Santoro scored twice in the second half as the fifth-seeded University of Saint Mary rallied to defeat top-seeded Friends University 2-1 in the KCAC Semifinal round in thrilling fashion this evening, Friday, November 6, at Adair-Austin Stadium in Wichita, Kansas. The victory sent the Spires to next week's KCAC championship at Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita.

Aaron Jackson sent the Spires first shot high at 6:02, but Friends broke through at 31:55 when Quiel scored off an assist from Wyn Davies. Goalkeeper Xavier Ezell stopped another Quiel attempt 23 seconds later. Phrakonkham then struck the crossbar at 40:18, leaving the Spires facing a 1-0 halftime deficit.

USM needed just 1:13 after the restart to draw even. Santoro converted a penalty kick at 46:13, with the Falcons' Huerta receiving a yellow card at the same timestamp. Rylan Nowak supplied the assist on Santoro's second goal at 59:43, turning the halftime deficit into a 2-1 lead.

Santoro finished with three of the Spires' five shots, and both of USM's shots on goal found the net. Nowak also recorded one shot while playing all 90 minutes. Friends finished with a 14-5 advantage in shots and a 7-2 edge in shots on goal, forcing Saint Mary to defend its narrow lead through the closing stages.

The Spires received a team save on Scognamillo's attempt at 76:48 before Ezell again denied Marin's header at 80:22. USM totaled six saves, including five after halftime, as Friends generated nine second-half shots.

Ezell delivered three more stops in the final four minutes, saving Gomez Montt's shot at 86:56 and Quiel's attempt at 88:09. Quiel tested Ezell again with a header at 88:36, but the goalkeeper made a fifth and final save to finish a 90-minute performance and upset the No. 1 seed on their home turf, marking another thrilling post season win for the Spire squad.
 
Coming Up…

USM will travel to the final site for the KCAC Championship match on Wednesday, November 11 at the Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas. The Spires are just one win away from claiming the KCAC title and will continue their momentum against the No. 3 Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles at 1 p.m. in Wichita.