Posted: Nov 23, 2015
AXTON, Va. – Max Blackmore may have not scored a more vital goal all season than the one he registered in Saturday's NJCAA Division I Men's Soccer title game to lift Louisburg (N.C.) past Tyler (Texas), 1-0, and become national champions.
After a scoreless regulation and first overtime period, the Hurricanes' freshman broke the deadlock in the 102nd minute as he made a probing run into the six-yard box and redirected a crossing volley from classmate Jaric Spath into the box of the net. Blackmore's game-winning tally was his 34th of season.
Louisburg began the match strong as it controlled the tempo during much of the first half as its possession and stout defensive play limited the Apaches' ability to push the ball past the middle third of the pitch.
Late into the opening half, a solo run by Nestor Peralta gave Tyler its best chance to take a lead before the opportunity faded as the Louisburg defense was able to get back. Despite the missed chance, the defending national champions took the momentum with them into the second half.
During the second 45 minutes, the Apaches dictated play as they spent much of the opening 20 minutes in the Louisburg end.
At around the 75th minute, the Hurricanes began to create opportunities to score as Blackmore shook off a defender atop the box only to strike his attempt wide of the target. Jorge Quintanilla then found himself some space two minutes later but his attempt to break the tie was unheeded.
During the first overtime stanza, both sides had a valiant chance to break the tie. Tyler's best prospect came a minute and a half in as Brahan Gamarra attempt was turned away by Louisburg defender Steven James. Minutes later, Quintanilla fired an attempt from 12-yards out before it was pulled down by the outstretched fingers of goalkeeper Jose Santos.
The championship victory for Louisburg is not only the first for men's soccer, but also marks the first national title of any kind won by a men's athletic program at the institution. With the win the Hurricanes improved to 24-1-0 on the year, while Tyler's loss dropped them to 19-4-0.
At the conclusion of the match, Hurricanes bench boss Martin Dell was named to coach of the tournament, while the hero of the day, Blackmore, earned tournament MVP honors after scoring at least once in each tournament match.
