Van Liew’s Goal Keeps Master’s Soccer Tournament Hopes Alive

Kris Van Liew broke a scoreless tie late in the match as The Master’s College men’s soccer team defeated Green Mountain (Vt.), 1-0, in NAIA tournament pool play Tuesday in San Antonio, Tex.

Van Liew’s goal, off a corner kick from Stephen Janho, came with 1 minute 40 seconds remaining.

The Mustangs (10-11-2) tied top-ranked West Virginia Wesleyan, 2-2, on Monday in the first match of three-team pool play but have only have a slim chance of advancing to the tournament semifinals, according to Coach Jim Rickerd.

The Master’s will advance if West Virginia Wesleyan (20-0-1) loses to Green Mountain (19-1-2) in today’s match or allows Green Mountain to score then wins by only one goal.

Should undefeated West Virginia Wesleyan beat Green Mountain by more than two goals, The Master’s would be eliminated.

And if West Virginia Wesleyan beats Green Mountain by the same 1-0 score, The Master’s and Green Mountain would meet in a mini-playoff Thanksgiving Day to determine the semifinalist.

“I would say our chances are slim,” Rickerd said. “West Virginia is just world-class. Green Mountain would have to play the game of (its) life. We’ll be out there cheering for Green Mountain.”