DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – Davenport advanced to the NAIA National Championship semifinals after defeating William Carey (Miss.) in double overtime tonight 3-2. This is the second time in the last three years that the Panthers are one of four teams remaining in the country still playing. The Panthers won a thrilling match against the Crusaders tonight and now get a day break before they play in the semifinal game on Friday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. against defending national champion Rio Grande (Ohio).
 
The weather was perfect at the start of the game, the sun had just set and it was around 75 degrees. William Carey was given a yellow card early and the physicality between both teams continued for the entire game. Brayden Texer checked into the game with 18:17 remaining in the first half and less than a minute later he scored the opening goal of the game. T.J. Ifaturoti played a gorgeous ball into the middle of the box and Texer was in the right spot as he tapped the ball into the goal. The Panthers let up their guard in the last minute of play as the Crusaders snuck a goal in with 42 seconds left to tie the game 1-1 heading into halftime.
 
The second half saw a change in weather as the Florida clouds brought in some rain. Davenport didn't let the weather slow them down as their bench came through with yet another goal. Jordan Van Oostenbrugge ripped a shot from about 30 yards out over the keepers out stretched arms into the left upper 90 of the net. The Panthers defended the lead for the majority of the half, however just like the first half the Crusaders scored in the last minute of the half. William Carey scored with 26 seconds left on the clock to tie the game and send it into overtime.
 
The first overtime period saw the Panthers have the most opportunities to score. Tyler Collishaw and Stephen Carroll each had a shot, Ifaturoti had a header that was saved by the keeper. The Crusaders were unable to tally a shot during the first overtime period.
 
The second overtime period was cut short when Ifaturoti made an incredible individual effort. Goalkeeper Aaron Orban booted a ball deep into the Crusaders half of the field, and as the ball was inches away from trickling out of bounds on the left sideline, Ifaturoti saved it with his out stretched legs. He then took a few dribbles and fired the ball into the most precise spot of the net, the ball bounced off the far right goal post and into the net.
 
Davenport and Rio played one time in their history in 2013 and Rio came away with the 2-1 victory. This was Ifaturoti's 19^th career game winning goal and 53^rd for his career.