SMITHFIELD, R.I. — #11 Bryant broke through late in the second half to secure a 1-0 victory over Seton Hall on Sunday, advancing in the NCAA Division I Championship with a hard-fought defensive battle in front of 1,154 fans. Muslim Umar's goal in the 57th minute proved to be the difference in a match that saw both teams create chances but struggle to find the back of the net until the decisive moment.
Umar's breakthrough came off a corner kick setup, with Mamadi Jiana providing the assist as Bryant finally converted after a scoreless first 56 minutes. The goal capped a second-half performance where the Bulldogs controlled possession and limited Seton Hall's attacking opportunities. Bryant's defense, anchored by a disciplined backline, kept the Pirates at bay despite their persistent pressure and nine corner kicks throughout the match.
The first half unfolded as a tightly contested affair with both teams probing for openings. Paco Fernandez tested Seton Hall's defense early with a shot in the ninth minute that sailed wide, while Fermin Rodriguez's effort was blocked moments later. Seton Hall countered with their own chances, including Hugo Gerbore's blocked shot in the 23rd minute. The half remained scoreless as both goalkeepers—making two saves each—stood firm when called upon.
Bryant made tactical adjustments at halftime, substituting Marc Pitarch Bayot and making personnel changes to tighten their midfield. Seton Hall responded with their own halftime tweaks, bringing in fresh legs to challenge Bryant's possession-based approach. The second half saw increased intensity from both sides, with Jorge Veintimilla testing Seton Hall's goalkeeper early before the Pirates began pressing higher up the pitch.
Seton Hall's attacking efforts intensified as the match progressed, with Til Kauschke, Agustin Resch, and Nico Rubio all forcing chances that went just wide. The Pirates' nine corner kicks reflected their territorial advantage at times, yet Bryant's goalkeeper and defensive unit remained resolute. Mamadi Jiana earned a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 65th minute, while Tiago Dias received one late in the match, as the contest grew increasingly physical.
Bryant's victory showcases their ability to grind out results in tournament play, with the Bulldogs improving to 17-2-2 on the season. The win comes after a loss to #1 Vermont in the America East Championship just days earlier, demonstrating their resilience at a critical juncture. Seton Hall, meanwhile, falls to 7-4-8 after a season that included a triple-overtime draw against Siena in their previous tournament match.
The defensive intensity on both sides limited clear-cut opportunities, with each team managing just two shots on goal despite nine total attempts for Bryant and eight for Seton Hall. The corner kick disparity—nine for the Pirates against five for the Bulldogs—illustrated Seton Hall's sustained pressure, yet they couldn't capitalize on their set-piece opportunities. Bryant's discipline and composure in the final third ultimately made the difference.
Umar's decisive finish and Jiana's creative play in the final third proved vital for Bryant's advancement. The Bulldogs' ability to absorb pressure and strike when opportunities presented themselves underscored their tournament credentials. This victory demonstrates Bryant's capacity to win tight matches through defensive organization and clinical finishing when it matters most. Bryant now plays St. Louis.