DUBUQUE, IOWA – Marcos Vila's (Madrid, Spain/I.E.S San Fernando) lone goal in the 28^th minute propelled the Norse to victory and claim the A-R-C tournament championship. They earn an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament which will begin play next weekend. This the tenth overall A-R-C tournament championship for the Norse in program history and the first one since 2019. 
 
ALL ABOUT DEFENSE
For the Norse it was win or go home and on chilly late night in Dubuque the Norse and Duhawks faced each other for the second time this season. In the early going of the first half Loras put on the pressure early but it was the Norse defense that held steady. At times the players got chippy but that's soccer and with an automatic NCAA bid on the line a lot was to be fought for. The Norse would get their first corner kick chance and make the most of it. Javier Pastor Valls (Mutxamel, Spain/The Kiski School (PA)) sent it low towards the box as Will Overberg (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny Centennial) faked a no look pass to Marcos Vila (Madrid, Spain/I.E.S San Fernando). Then Vila did what he does best slotting it low and away to the opposite corner of the goal in the 28^th minute. The Norse would take the 1-0 lead heading into halftime. Luther outshot Loras 7-5 in the first half.
 
In the second half the Duhawks had several closes chances to tie it up. One even hit off the post but was cleared by the Luther defense. The backline and goalkeeping of Jack Bell (Madison, Wis./Madison Memorial) and Kai Haroldson (Excelsior, Minn./Minnetonka) kept Loras off the score sheet. As they say defense wins championships and that's what happened tonight. When that final whistle blew the Norse cleared the bench running onto the field. Now the Norse have to wait until Monday November 7^th to find out where they will play in the NCAA tournament. 
 
TOP NORSE

• Fifth Year Marcos Vila (Madrid, Spain/I.E.S San Fernando) scored the game winning goal for his 16^th goal of the season. He is now just two goals away from tying the career record of Marty Maier with 54 in 1993-96.

UP NEXT
It's the NCAA tournament but the team will have to wait to see where they will play. The NCAA selection show will take place on Monday, November 7^th at 12:30 p.m. CT.
 
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