Pilots Fall Just Short in National Tournament Thriller

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — The LSU Shreveport men's soccer team saw its outstanding 2025 campaign come to a close on Monday at the NAIA Men's Soccer National Tournament, falling to Warner Pacific University (Ore.) in the Round of 16. The Knights prevailed 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw through double overtime.

The Pilots conclude the season with a 14-3-5 overall record.

LSUS (14-3-5) struck first in the 17th minute when senior Jack Thomas found the back of the net on an unassisted effort to give the Pilots a 1-0 advantage. The Pilots would carry that lead deep into the second half behind a stout defensive effort.

Goalkeeper Sondre Liahagen-Kolnes anchored the LSUS defense throughout the match, turning aside multiple Warner Pacific scoring opportunities, including a save on Knights forward Bodo Calderon in the 32nd minute.

The Pilots had a chance to extend their lead in the 56th minute when Fernando Beraldes struck the crossbar and forced a save from Warner Pacific goalkeeper Owen Purvis on the ensuing follow-up attempt.

Warner Pacific equalized in the 84th minute when Bodo Calderon converted an unassisted goal to send the match to extra time.

LSUS continued to press in overtime, with Beraldes, Joel Trueb, and Thomas each registering shots on goal. In the second overtime period, Leandro Sain delivered three corner kick opportunities, but the Pilots were unable to find the go-ahead goal.

In the ensuing shootout, Thomas, Jacob Botterill, and Alessandro Collela converted their attempts for LSUS. Warner Pacific connected on four of five attempts to claim the 4-3 shootout victory and advance to the next round.

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