Kissimmee, FL – The Polars faced off with the Bob Jones University Bruins in the opening pool play match of the NCCAA DII National Tournament on Tuesday. A tightly contested match that saw the Polars fall 3-2.

The Polars came into the tournament ranked as the #5 seed after winning the North region championship. Their opponent on Tuesday would be the #1 seeded Bruins who came into the national tournament as the defending national champion while also being seeded #1 overall.

The Bruins struck first, scoring just three minutes into the game. Shortly after Crown would even the score as Tim Jaeger maneuvered through the Bruins defense to net the goal and tie the score at 1-1. Jaeger found the back of the net for the 15^th time this season assisted by Jose Lovera.

The two teams went back and forth exchanging opportunities before the end of the first half.

The Bruins shot ahead once again with a goal in the 51^st minute.

Crown was able to again balance the score as Joaquin Silva scored off a loose ball in the 86th minute to even the score at 2-2. 

With just a few minutes remaining a costly foul on the Polars gave the Bruins a free kick from just outside the box. The strike deflected off of the Crown wall of defenders and found the top corner of the net.

The Polars were outshot by the Bruins 15-7 including a 10-6 margin on goal. Next up, the Polars will play their final pool play match on Wednesday as the team faces #4 Randall University at 11am (CST).