Box Score ORANGE BEACH, ALABAMA – The Grand View Men's Soccer team captured the program's first-ever NAIA National Championship with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over WVU Tech on Monday afternoon. The Vikings delivered a performance for the ages, overcoming an early deficit to claim the ultimate prize and cement their place in Grand View history with an unforgettable championship triumph.

WVU Tech struck first in the 4th minute when Leny Duperray found the back of the net, assisted by Keishon Clarke, silencing the Grand View faithful and putting the Golden Bears ahead 1-0. The early goal tested the Vikings' resolve, but Grand View responded with characteristic composure. Just nine minutes later, Ignacio Gonzalez equalized in the 14th minute, assisted by Payton Chapman, knotting the match at 1-1 and shifting momentum back to the Vikings.

The match remained deadlocked through a tense first half and much of the second period, with both teams battling desperately for the championship-winning goal. Grand View finally broke through in the 59th minute when Herman Furumo delivered the moment Vikings fans will remember forever. Furumo's unassisted goal gave Grand View a 2-1 lead, and the Vikings' defense made sure it would stand as the championship winner.

Grand View dominated the match statistically, outshooting WVU Tech 21-6 overall and holding a commanding 9-6 advantage in shots on goal. The Vikings also controlled possession and territory with a 10-6 edge in corner kicks. Despite the Golden Bears' best efforts to find an equalizer in the closing minutes, Grand View's defensive discipline and composure under pressure preserved the narrow lead and delivered the national title.

Goalkeeper Luis Helm delivered a championship-caliber performance when it mattered most, recording five crucial saves in the title match. Helm's heroics completed a remarkable tournament run in which he posted four clean sheets and allowed just one total goal across five matches. The Grand View defense, anchored by Helm and the back line, proved to be the difference throughout the championship run, delivering clutch performances in every knockout round.

The match remained relatively clean despite the championship stakes, with three yellow cards issued—two to Grand View (Xavier Roy in the 35th minute and Nils Knecht in the 80th minute) and one to WVU Tech's Vasco Berardo in the 88th minute. The Vikings maintained their focus and composure throughout the pressure-packed final, demonstrating the mental toughness that defined their entire tournament journey.

MATCH NOTES

• Ignacio Gonzalez equalized in the 14th minute, assisted by Payton Chapman, to tie the match 1-1.
• Herman Furumo scored the championship-winning goal unassisted in the 59th minute.
• Luis Helm earned five saves in the championship match, capping a sensational tournament performance.
• Grand View outshot WVU Tech 21-6 and held a 10-6 advantage in corner kicks.
• The Vikings defeated five ranked opponents en route to the title: No. 16 Indiana Wesleyan, No. 1 Bethel, No. 9 Georgia Gwinnett, No.12 Cumberlands, and No. 11 WVU Tech.
• Grand View finished the championship run with a 5-0 record in the tournament, outscoring opponents 7-1.
• This is the first NAIA National Championship in Grand View Men's Soccer program history.

CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENT  The Grand View Men's Soccer program has reached the pinnacle. After defeating the nation's top seed, navigating through ranked opponents, and posting four shutouts in five tournament matches, the Vikings stand alone as national champions. Herman Furumo's championship goal, Luis Helm's tournament brilliance, and a complete team effort culminated in Grand View's first-ever national title. This historic achievement will be remembered forever in Viking athletics history—a testament to dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Congratulations to the 2025 NAIA National Champion Grand View Vikings!