MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Seventh-seeded UT Southern came within minutes of forcing penalty kicks against third-seeded and No. 19 William Carey University, but the Crusaders found the breakthrough with 2:24 remaining in the second overtime period to claim a 1-0 victory in the Southern States Athletic Conference Semifinals.
The heartbreaking result brings to a close one of the most memorable postseason runs in program history, as the Firehawks finish the 2026 campaign with a 9-8-1 overall record.
Just two days after stunning second-seeded and No. 2 nationally ranked Life University in the quarterfinals, UT Southern once again proved it belonged among the conference's elite, battling a nationally ranked opponent for more than 107 minutes.
The Firehawks relied on a gritty defensive effort throughout regulation. Neither side could solve the opposing defense over the opening 90 minutes as UT Southern frustrated one of the conference's top programs and repeatedly turned away dangerous chances.
Goalkeeper William McGinn continued his stellar postseason play, organizing the Firehawk defense and recording four saves to help keep the match scoreless through regulation and the opening stages of overtime.
UT Southern's best opportunity came late in the first overtime period. In the 100th minute, Devonte Allen put a shot on goal that forced a save and nearly provided another postseason hero moment for the Firehawks.
The match took another dramatic turn in the second overtime when William Carey was reduced to 10 players following a red card in the 105th minute, giving UT Southern a numerical advantage for the final moments of the contest.
With penalty kicks on the horizon, the Crusaders earned consecutive corner kicks late in the second overtime period. Following the second service into the box, Souleymane Balde found the back of the net with 2:24 remaining, ending the match at the 107:36 mark and bringing the Firehawks' postseason run to a close.
Despite the defeat, UT Southern capped a remarkable tournament run that included a historic quarterfinal upset of No. 2 Life University. The Firehawks also became the lowest seed to reach the SSAC Semifinals since 2015, when eighth-seeded Auburn Montgomery advanced to Montgomery.
By the Numbers
- Final Score: William Carey 1, UT Southern 0 (2OT)
- Shots: William Carey 13, UT Southern 3
- Shots on Goal: William Carey 5, UT Southern 1
- Corner Kicks: William Carey 6, UT Southern 2
- Saves: William McGinn (4)
- Match Duration: 107:36
Season Reflection
UT Southern closes the season with a 9-8-1 record and one of the most impressive postseason runs in recent program history. The Firehawks entered the tournament as the No. 7 seed, knocked off No. 2 nationally ranked Life University on the road, and came within 2:24 of advancing to penalty kicks against No. 19 William Carey in the SSAC Semifinals. The Firehawks await the NAIA Championship selection show to lear their postseason fate.
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