YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. – The Auburn Montgomery Men's Soccer Team out-dueled #1 Young Harris College 5-4 in penalty kicks after playing to a 0-0 draw in 110 minutes to advance to the "Elite Eight" round of the NCAA Postseason Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 2.

The draw brings AUM's record to 11-4-4 overall and continues the Warhawks' magical postseason run into the Quarterfinal Round of the NCAA Postseason Tournament.
 
Junior forward Guilherme Bittencourt booted in the successful penalty kick that sent the Warhawks' past the Mountain Lions after a pair of crucial saves by senior goalkeeper Alexander Kraus set up the opportunity. Glenn Waters, Arnaud Baron, Lucas Batistela, and Renan Diniz all converted on their penalty kicks in the shootout prior to Bittencourt.
 
"Our boys were warriors tonight," Head Coach Matthew Thorne said. "They were in there fighting for each other. The whole squad played a part in tonight's contest, and I can't say how proud I am of them for making history and getting into the elite eight. Young Harris is a fantastic side and obviously one of the best teams in the nation. Our boys scrapped very hard tonight though. They worked for each other and went into penalty's with the mindset that we were going to get it done."
 
AUM took seven shots on the night, with a pair of shots on frame. Spickenbaum tallied a team-high three shots while Baron and Franck Kouentchi each accounted for a shot on goal.
 
Kraus grabbed five saves prior to the shootout while posting his 10th shutout of the season and improving his 2021 record to 11-3-2. The Duisberg, Germany native has not conceded a goal in his last four matches, a streak that spans over 439 minutes of action.
 
The Warhawks will now take on south-region foe Nova Southeastern on Saturday, Dec. 4 in the Super Region 2 finals match for a spot in the "Final Four." Kickoff from Young Harris, Ga. is set for 2:00 p.m. (CST).
 
For the latest on AUM athletics, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.