Dowagiac freshman Craig Zebell scored the winning goal as Moody Bible Institute won the NCCAA national title Saturday. (Leader photo/File

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — For the second straight year, the Moody Bible Institute captured the NCCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Championship.

Moody Bible edged Northland International University 1-0 in the title match at the Austin-Tindall Soccer Complex Saturday.

The winning goal was scored by Dowagiac freshman Craig Zebell.

Moody Bible, which came into the tournament with a 16-1 record and the No. 1 seed, defeated Baptist Bible College 6-0 in the opening round and then Manhattan Christian College 4-0 in the semifinals to advance to the title match.

Northland, the No. 2 seed, defeated Toccoa Falls College 3-0 and Ohio Christian University 8-0 to move on to the finals.

Zebell took a long cross from Jacob Persson with 30 seconds remaining in the first half and redirected into the net to score the match’s only goal.

In the second half, the Archers had several more scoring opportunities, but were unable to convert. In fact, Moody Bible had appeared to take a 2-0 lead on a header, but was whistled for an offsides.

The Archers counted on their defense to deliver and it did, led by senior Ryan Pattison, who was named the Most Outstanding Player.

Last season, Moody Bible defeated Northland 3-1 for its third national championship.

NCCAA Division II Men’s
Soccer Championship
at Austin-Tindall Soccer Complex,
Kissimmee, Fla.
First round
Moody Bible d. Baptist Bible College 6-0

Semifinals
Moody Bible d. Manhattan Christian College 4-0

Championship
Moody Bible d. Northland International 1-0