PENSACOLA, Fla. – The University of West Alabama Men's Soccer team converted six of its seven penalty kicks and freshman goalkeeper Brad Louis made two saves in the third overtime period to defeat the University of Alabama Huntsville 6-5 in a penalty kick shootout in the Gulf South Conference Tournament Semifinal Round Friday.

The Tigers will advance to the Championship match for the second straight year with an overall record of 10-6-1. UAH, who entered the tournament ranked fourth in the NCAA Division II South Region Poll, exits the tournament 13-4-2 overall.

"You just have to thank God for the opportunity to be here," said UWA Head Men's Soccer Coach Matthew Thorne.

"I have to give it to UAH, they are a quality opponent and it's tough to lose in penalty kicks. We showed great character being down 1-0 and being able to dig in and fight our way back. It was a true team effort, and we never quit playing as a team. We haven't done enough yet, but we are just delighted to go one step further."

UWA came from behind, after giving up a goal to the Chargers in the 23^rd minute, to tie the match at 1-1 with a goal by Brian Meadows in the 57^th minute. The Tigers first lead of the game came on the seventh penalty kick by Christian Adkins, following two scoreless overtime periods.

Louis entered the match in the 30^th minute to replace starter Lavares Stone. He recorded two saves, including one in the first overtime before adding his two game savers in the penalty shootout to improve to 2-3-1 this season. UAH goalie, Michael Winstone falls to 11-4-1, recording two saves in regulation.

Both teams kept the match deadlocked, each making their first three penalty kicks. Winstone made the first save in the shootout period to put the Chargers back up 4-3. Louis followed with his first save in the period and Emmanuel Mondestin kept the Tiger's season alive completing his penalty kick, tying the match at 4-4.  

West Alabama's season continues in the GSC Title match on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The Tigers will face the winner of Christian Brothers University and Shorter University's match Friday night at 8 p.m.   

 "We let the guys enjoy this win tonight, but then we have to start focusing tomorrow morning for Sunday," Thorne said.