Top seed Hastings has won the 2016 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship, the second championship in program history, winning a third-straight one-goal game.
Eric Birighitti fed a ball ahead from the midfield onto the toes of Lucas Venegas in the 57th minute, who sent the ball into the net to give Hastings a 1-0 win over second-seeded Rio Grande (Ohio).
The title is the second for Hastings, and the first since 2010.
The Broncos recorded just two shots on goal during the contest. Rio Grande recorded four shots on goal, and 11 total attempts.
The Broncos played in seven one-goal games this season, including the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final in the national championship.
Hastings becomes the first unbeaten national champion since Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) in 2011. This marks fourth consecutive year the championship game has been decided by one goal.
