GLASSBORO, N.C. -- Three seniors extended their careers on Sunday afternoon with a terrific combination goal in the 79th minute for the 24th-ranked Christopher Newport men's soccer team as the Captains put away host Rowan University (13-4-2) in the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship second round. Cory Hogge chipped a perfect pass back post for Will Collins, who headed it back to the middle for a header finish by Tanner Dail and the single tally was enough to capture the win as CNU improved to 12-4-2 on the season. 

With the victory, the Captains advance to next weekend's sectional round to face top-ranked Washington & Lee University on their home field. CNU will travel to Lexington, Va. and play at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 20 in the Round of 16, marking the Captains' first appearance in the sectional round since 2014. 




Dail's second game-winning goal of the season could not have come at a better moment for the Captains, deadlocked in a scoreless game late in regulation on Sunday. The physical matchup featured 33 whistles and six cards, one of which put the Captains on a man up advantage for the final 22 minutes of the game. 

With the defenses controlling most of the action, the Captains leaned on seniors Davis Pillow and Daniel Hulett for complete game efforts alongside junior Jacob Dudley. Jonathon Leiding also played 82 minutes while Ryan Kiely finished out the shutout in his stead. Harry Whittleton also had a standout performance in the defensive midfield, playing 86 minutes and helping the Captains' lock down their fourth consecutive postseason shutout. 

In goal, sophomore Gabe Barros needed to make just two saves in the contest, but the match was far more challenging than those numbers look. Barros faced four corner kicks and a number of offensive chances by the Profs that never quite came to fruition thanks to the sturdy CNU defense. 

On the offensive end, the Captains faced much of the same, managing just seven shots in the game with only one on frame. Dail led all Captains with two shots, including the one on frame to provide the winning tally for the Captains. Rowan countered the Captains with just two substitutions the entire game while playing only 12 total players. That paired with the Captains man-up advantage for the final stages led to the winning combination for CNU. 

Christopher Newport will now turn it's attention to the No. 1-ranked Generals of W&L, who they faced in a 2-1 setback earlier this season. CNU will take on the hosts at Alston Parker Watt Field with live stats and live video available for fans unable to attend. Stay tuned to CNUsports.com for updates to the weekly schedule including ticket information and more.