THE OVERVIEW

• Result: Maranatha 0-1 Providence
• Venue: Emmaus Bible College
• Attendance: 73
• Record: Sabercats finish the season at 9-10

THE LEAD

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- The Sabercats saw their season come to a disappointing close against a strong and sharp Providence University College side, who scored in the 6th minute and held on to win the region title.

It came on a dreary day in Dubuque on the afternoon after DeAngelo's breakout goal won the semifinal.

THE STORY

Providence came out strong, as they created some early chances that kept the Sabercats on the defensive. Right away, the Pilots' pressure paid off, as PUC found the opening goal in style. After the ball was cut in from the left side, Romaine Francis curled a shot to the far upper corner.

Francis's goal ultimately proved to be an early game-winner.

The Sabercats weathered the storm of the Pilots' offense, and created a few chances for themselves in the second half. Nathan Akers saw his free kick denied by the post, and Zeke Steuerwald had a header that looped just over the crossbar in the dying minutes.

Overall, the Sabercats "left it all on the field," and fought to the end of a hard-fought match worthy of a regional championship. Caleb Hockema and Nathan Campbell anchored a solid back line, and the duo was backed up by Andrew Taylor, who made multiple saves in the second half to minimize the damage.

THE NUMBERS

Game statistics: TBA

THE FOLLOW-UP

The Sabercats' season is officially over, as the team was not selected as the at-large recipient for the NCCAA National Tournament.

MBU finished the regular season with a #9 ranking in the NCCAA DII and a record of 9-10.

A full recap of the season will be released soon.