Soccer: Crusaders place second in nation at tourney

Nov. 7--DAYTON, Tenn. -- The Grace Christian Cavaliers went to the National Association of Christian Athletes Tournament looking for a national championship.

They will come home looking forward to a big season next year.

The Crusaders advanced to the Division 1 title game after a tie in Thursday night's late match and fell 4-1 to Hearts for Jesus, a home-school team from Ohio, in the championship round.

"No. 2 in the nation -- we're happy with that," said Grace Christian coach Chris Pratt.

The Crusaders, who lost 7-1 to Hearts for Jesus in the first game of the invitational tournament, placed three players on the all-tournament team. Aaron Norris, who led Grace Christian with six goals in five games, and Edgar Beltran and Ben Holt, who each had a team-high three assists, were all recognized for their play.

While Grace Christian, which finishes the season 21-5-1, placed third in the NCCSA State Tournament last month, Pratt said the team improved against the high caliber of play from all over the nation in Tennessee.

"The most important thing is that the guys played at a totally different level here," Pratt said. "They played against teams that were much more difficult than any we've seen all year. After the first game, we knew we had to step up our play, to be a lot more physical and play better soccer."

The Crusaders' performance just makes them even more eager about next season.

"Now the guys know that if they play as hard next season as they played here, we can be state champions," Pratt said.

But that's not all the Crusaders are looking for.

"It was a great experience, a great bonding trip for the guys," added Pratt. "We had good success against great teams, and it's just made the guys hungry. They're already looking forward to trying to win a national championship next season."

Elijah Buie scored Grace Christian's lone goal in the title game, getting an assist from Beltran.

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