MONTGOMERY, Ala. | For the first time since 2009, The University of Alabama in Huntsville men's soccer team has reached the championship game at the conference tournament after earning a thrilling 1-0 victory over Mississippi College on Friday at the 2017 Gulf South Conference Men's Soccer Championships.
 
The Chargers improve to 9-6-2 on the year, while MC falls to 11-3-3.
 
With the game appearing destined for overtime, the Chargers were awarded a free kick a few yards outside the box in the 86th minute, and Jordan Wright rocketed it over the wall and just inside the near post for the game-winner.
 
Up until that point, there had been few chances in the contest as the teams combined for just nine shots in the opening 45 minutes, with the Choctaws placing two on Myles Fullen's goals while Corentin Diverres had a shot on goal for the Chargers in the first half.
 
UAH did have two other dangerous opportunities in the period as Khalil Bell's speed down the side produced two great chances with Wright firing one over the crossbar in the 21st and Erik Sandnes doing the same in the 37th before the teams went into the break scoreless.
 
In the second half, Mississippi College enjoyed an 8-5 advantage in shots. Just two were on target for MC, however, and Fullen made saves in the 72nd and 81st to post his second shutout of the year.
 
For the contest, the third-seeded Choctaws established a 13-9 edge in shots including a 4-2 margin in shots on goal, and Mississippi College also held a 5-3 advantage in corners though both teams had a pair in the second half.
 
The Chargers will play the winner of West Alabama and Montevallo in the championship game on Sunday at noon.
 
The championship appearance for UAH is the program's fourth overall, and the team will be searching for its first conference title since 1997.