BOCA RATON, Fla. — Mississippi College (15-2-4) punched its ticket to the NCAA Division II Quarterfinals with a 3-1 victory over Lynn (14-3-2) on Sunday afternoon at Bobby Campbell Stadium. The win sends the Choctaws to Winter Park, Fla., where they will face Rollins on Dec. 6.
The victory marks a historic moment for the program, as Mississippi College becomes the first Gulf South Conference team to reach the NCAA men's soccer quarterfinals since Auburn Montgomery in 2021. The Choctaws also handed the defending national champions their first home loss in two years, adding another milestone to a landmark season for the school and its fan base.
Mississippi College struck first in the 22nd minute when Aimar Banuls put the visitors ahead 1-0. Lynn generated pressure late in the opening period—including a shot from Luan Barroso Rennstich and a corner in the 38th minute—but goalkeeper Cole Turner and the Choctaw back line held firm to take the advantage into halftime.
The Choctaws extended their lead early in the second half. In the 51st minute, Russell Berko finished a pass from Daniel Richards to give MC a 2-0 cushion. Benjamin Ellis added the third goal in the 71st minute off a setup from Banuls, pushing the margin to 3-0.
Lynn pulled one back in the 80th minute on a goal by Dominik N'gatie, assisted by Robin Muenst, but the Fighting Knights were unable to mount a late comeback.
Turner collected three saves in the full 90 minutes to secure the win.
Top Performers — Mississippi College
Cole Turner
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3 saves
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90 minutes played
Benjamin Ellis
Russell Berko
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1 goal (game-winner)
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2 shots on goal
Aimar Banuls
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1 goal
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1 assist
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1 shot on goal
With the win, Mississippi College improves to 15-2-4 overall and remains unbeaten in its last 12 matches. The Choctaws will now prepare for a quarterfinal matchup against Rollins on Dec. 6 in Winter Park, Fla., as the program continues its deepest postseason run in school history.
