Permutations for Bracken & the Crusaders!

#PB10 and his Crusader teammates go into the final regular season game on Saturday knowing if they avoid defeat they will be the Southern States Athletic Conference regular season champions for the second consecutive year. In a mouthwatering tie, they host the #8 University of Mobile who know if they can topple the NAIA #1 they will take the SSAC Regular Season crown. It promises to be a epic battle between two of the NAIA's top 10 teams. Currently, 14-0 on the season and 6-0 in the conference, Carey have been in scintillating form. Paul took a bad mid-season injury in his stride and has be a key cog in the WCU side since returning for conference play. Deployed on the right-hand side to provide additional work-rate and cover, the switch has added a better balance to the side and given PB10 more defensive responsibility to his more accustomed striker/#10 role. A role, in which he scored 7 goals and dished out a further 8 assists good for 22 points. In his 17 games, last season he got off 42 shots, hitting the frame 24 times, in stark contrast he has taken just 11 shots, with 5 on frame this term from his 11 games. This is due in large part to his new role within the side. Paul is a natural fighter and a warrior on the field, and whilst he may not be in amongst the goals so frequently this term, his role in the team is of much higher importance.

NAIA #1 WCU host #8 University of Mobile on Saturday which coincides with their senior day. Keeping the train rolling on and picking up an at-Large bid to the NAIA National Tournament will be on the minds of the players and coaching staff, as they prepare for the biggest game of the season. The key players for Mobile come in the form of their very own #10 Henry Newton, who has a joint team-high 6 goals and 4 assists. Mobile’s #2 Casey Culver also sits on 6 goals in his 11 games played this season. #4 Sam White will be a constant threat as his 5 goals and 4 assists gives him 14 points on the season, good for 2nd highest on the team.

Win, lose or draw the Crusaders can feel confident in making the National tournament, but would love to head into last 32 full of confidence off the back of a potential regular season and tournament championships to their name to repeat the heroics of their 2016 season.