ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. --- Crown Men's Soccer already had their UMAC Playoffs berth clinched on Wednesday as they faced the Northwestern Eagles, but it wasn't official until nearly game time, as the result of the early game between Bethany Lutheran and Martin Luther officially made the Storm a member of the 2018 tournament. Crown came out and looked like a playoff team, with their fourth UMAC shutout in five games; the Storm seniors looked sharp for their last home game. 

The first goal of the game was by junior Mason Shrewsbury as senior Storm Heyer found him to go up 1-0 on the Eagles in the 52nd minute. Late in the game, senior Caleb Baumann scored to take a 2-0 lead and clinch the game for the Storm. Senior Ger Jones had an assist on Baumann's goal for his 15th point on the season. 

After a UMAC Playoff berth in 2016, both Jones and Heyer were forced to redshirt their senior seasons last year when injuries derailed their respective years, and Crown returns to the UMAC Playoffs again after missing out last season. 

Crown struggled early in the season, losing their first six contests but were able to adjust and end the season strong with four wins in their last five games to ensure a seed in the playoff picture; this berth is Head Coach Luke Herbert's second playoff bid in his first three years.

"It's great to finish off the season [with a playoff berth], especially with the way we started. We battled through and turned it around," said Heyer. "I think it's an incredible way to end [my] senior year with the people that have come back from season-ending injuries."

Senior keeper Eli Etzel recorded a win in the matchup, his defense giving him an easy shutout (only three saves needed for Etzel). This was Etzel's fourth shutout of the year and sixth win. 

Ger Jones, Storm Heyer, Eli Etzel, Caleb Baumann, Josh Samsa, Kirby Shetler, and Dante Irizarry were all honored as seniors both before the game and at halftime. 

Crown will head to either UM-Morris or Martin Luther for the opening round of the UMAC Playoffs next Monday. More information will be announced when available: stay informed on Twitter @stormathletics.