DECATUR, Ala. – [Bracket | Schedule] No. 5 Keiser (Fla.) upsets No. 3 Mobile (Ala.) to capture the first national championship in program history. The Seahawks captured a 2-0 result which was their third upset victory of the final site after previously beating No. 4 Missouri Valley and No. 1 Central Methodist. Those two programs had combined to win the previous three Red Banners. 

The Rams and Seahawks have become familiar foes over the last 289 days, meeting five total times including the 2020 NAIA National Championship and then in today's championship match. Keiser entered the contest winning the last four decisions. Despite the championship experience and pedigree of Mobile, it was Keiser's time in the limelight.

In the first half the teams, who have become so familiar with each other, were in a feeling out period. Both squads entered the dressing rooms for the halftime intermission with a nil-nil count. Rams faithful showed out in full-throat and did not let up throughout the first 45 minutes even despite the cold temperatures and chilly wind. The crowd featured members of all four previous teams who had reached the title game (1994, 1999, 2012) and the 2002 NAIA National Champions.

One of the best chances Mobile had all day was during the 41st minute as Ronaldo Fortune's shot beat the keeper, but Cristobal Molina Campo was standing on the line to clear it away. Not only was it a deflating moment for the Rams, but it was yet another example of why Cristobal Molina Campo would go on to be honored as the Outstanding Defensive Player for the tournament. 

Exiting the halftime break, the Seahawks broke through to light up the scoreboard first at the 52:55 mark which brought a hush over the stadium. Luca Malvicini, received the pass on the left side of the field from about 35 yards from goal. After taking a few touches towards the top of the box, he launched it to the far post.

As the game wound down, the Rams were pressing higher up the field. Inside the final minute, Keiser hit Mobile with a counter attack and added an insurance goal. Elias Jassim found himself one-on-one with Rams keeper Antoine Bedos, and after a quick move to his right, tapped the ball into the back of the goal.

Mobile generated a higher number of shots (16-10), but Keiser put their attempts on frame more (6-4). The Seahawks took three more corners than the opposition. Alejo Binaghi launched a game high five shots for the Rams and his teammate Emman Rahimi had the second most with three. Molina Campo and Alvaro Jimenez Valera each attempted a pair of shots for the Seahawks. In goal, Dario Salzer pitched his sixth shutout of the season and only allowed in two goals during the Seahawks championship run.

Keiser now holds a 5-3 all-time record against the University of Mobile. The Seahawks have played 15 matches in the state of Alabama all-time, posting a record of 8-6-1 including 4-0-0 this year.

2021 NAIA National Championship All-Tournament Team