Lawrenceville, Ga. – Carolina University Men's Soccer opened CAC Tournament play with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Florida College on Friday evening at the Grizzly Soccer Complex on the campus of Georgia Gwinnett College. The Bruins controlled much of the first half and carried that momentum through a dramatic finish that sent them into the conference semifinals.

Carolina University jumped out early when Samuel Richter found the back of the net in the 11th minute, assisted by Will McCamley, to give the Bruins a 1–0 lead. The match intensified after halftime as Florida College equalized in the 58th minute, but the Bruins responded with composure. Jordan Julien converted in the 69th minute, assisted by Maximus Blanco and Lewis Jacklin, to reclaim the lead. In the final minute of regulation, after Florida College had tied the match 2–2, Soe Paing delivered the game-winner just 24 seconds later — securing the 3–2 victory for Carolina University with just 27 seconds left in the match.

The Bruins outshot Florida College 12–9, placing eight on goal, and held a 1–0 lead at halftime. Goalkeeper Joshua Wilson played all 90 minutes in the win over Florida College.

Head Coach Craig Golding reflected on his team's performance, saying,

"We controlled the first half and played the way we wanted to. The second half had everything — momentum shifts, emotion, and a late finish that shows our team's belief. We talk a lot about staying composed in big moments, and tonight the guys did just that. I'm proud of their fight and focus."

With the win, Carolina University (8–4–2) advances to the CAC Semifinal, where they will face top-seeded Georgia Gwinnett College on Sunday at 5 p.m. in Lawrenceville.