Box Score in HTML Format

CAMDEN, N.J. -- After a scoreless draw against the host Scarlet Raptors on Sunday, the eighth-ranked Christopher Newport men's soccer team were named champions of the 2015 Cialella Soccer Classic by way of a tiebreaker, lowest goals allowed. The Captains were 1-0-1 on the weekend, and remain unbeaten through the first six games of the season, improving to 5-0-1. 

Senior Ryan Balfour was named the Offensive MVP of the tournament, after posting a gamewinner in the Captains' first game. Fellow senior Sean Christein was also named to the All-Tournament team and picked up Defensive MVP honors after helping lead CNU in a pair of shutouts. Defender Bobby Seifert and goalkeeper Nolan Mann rounded out the CNU selections to the All-Tournament Team. 

The game featured postseason-like atmosphere as the two NCAA proven teams battled back-and-forth throughout the contest. CNU held an overall advantage in total shots, 26-16, including a 13-7 edge in shots on-goal. The Captains' offense really kicked into gear after halftime, outshooting the Scarlet Raptors (3-1-1) by a tally of 18-6 after the break, including an impressive 9-1 advantage in overtime. 

Both teams had a number of chances at goal, but both goalkeepers were impressive, combining for 20 total saves in the match. James Brett, for Rutgers-Camden, turned away 13 shots for the home team, while Mann registered seven saves for CNU. 

In the middle of the second half, the Captains thought they had taken the lead on a shot by Patrick Burns, as the ball bounced off the right post and toward the goal mouth. The official ruled the ball never crossed the goal line, however, and CNU was turned away on the attempt. In overtime, senior Mark Brewington had a one-on-one opportunity with Brett, but couldn't get it by the keeper as he made a nice save. 

The offense was firing on all cylinders for CNU, but could not cash in on a goal. Burns took a season-high 10 shots, putting four on-goal, while Balfour added six, with two on-frame. Henry Gotay put 3-of-4 on-goal and Sammy Blosser also registered two shots on-net. In all, eight Captains took shots with six forcing Brett to make a stop. 

The shutout was the fourth of the season for senior goalkeeper Nolan Mann, who lowered his goals against average to 0.78 this season. 

CNU is back in action on Wednesday, September 16 as they travel to play Methodist University at 5:00 pm.