IRVINE, Calif. – Rocky Mountain College was defeated by No. 3 ranked Central Methodist University in the quarterfinals of the 2018 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship.

It was a match between two of the top defenses in the NAIA. Rocky entered the match ranked No. 1 in total shutouts while Central Methodist was ranked No. 3.

The Battlin' Bears lagged behind the Eagles for the majority of the first half. Central Methodist held a 8-3 shot advantage which included the game winning goal. Rodrigo Paredes knocked in a header off a Victor Luengo corner kick in the 23rd minute to put the Eagles up by 1.

Rocky rallied in the second half and out-shot Central Methodist 11-9, but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Eagles held a 7-4 corner kick advantage.

Rocky's Kristofer Wennin secured eight saves with only one goal allowed. Central Methodist's Vince Gelei allowed six saves with no goals allowed.

This was the first time that the Battlin' Bears advanced to the quarterfinals since 2015. Rocky ends the 2018 season as the Cascade Collegiate Conference champions.