MARION, Ind. -- Crossroads League Men’s Soccer Player of the Year Tyrone Martin (SR/Indianapolis, Ind.) continued his special season on Saturday night as he scored twice in a 2-1 Indiana Wesleyan University victory over Spring Arbor (Mich.) in the Crossroads League Tournament semifinals at Wildcat Field.

“Our transition game has been pretty good,” said interim head coach Joe Schulman. “They play a fast-paced, counter attack transition game and we were kind of doing the same thing on them. Tonight we were able to get a couple balls over the top and get the ball to Tyrone. He has the ability to do special things with it once he gets it. Today he did that twice.”

Indiana Wesleyan, the No. 5-ranked team in the nation and the top-seed in the tournament, moves into the league tournament championship match for the third consecutive season. IWU defeated Spring Arbor 2-0 in last season’s championship match to earn their first bid into the NAIA National Championship.

Martin headed home the first goal of the match tonight in the 16th minute off an assist from Seth Kintigh (JR/Concord, Mich.). The goal capped an impressive 20 minute stretch to open the match that IWU dominated and outshot the visitors 5-0 during that span.

“We did really great at knocking the ball around for the first 20 minutes,” said interim head coach Joe Schulman. “Moving off the ball and playing very technical, very fast soccer kept them running in circles a little bit. It gave us the opportunity to get the ball to the weak side and find open guys and get real good open looks.”

Spring Arbor responded in the 29th minute when Michael Caccavo earned the first shot of the match for Spring Arbor. His shot was saved by IWU keeper Josh Goepper (JR/Shelby Township, Mich.) but Jared Putt was right there for the rebound and the goal for a 1-1 tie.

Martin once again put Indiana Wesleyan in the lead with a goal in the 54th minute. Shawn Bloch (FR/Rockford, Mich.) connected on a crossing pass that Martin put a head on to beat the SAU keeper for the 2-1 lead.

“Tyrone is a special player and special players do special things,” said Schulman. “Tonight he was special.”

The Wildcats outshot the Cougars 13-7 for the evening and Goepper collected three saves for the win in net. IWU held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Indiana Wesleyan and No. 6-seed Goshen (Ind.) will play for the Crossroads League Tournament championship next Saturday night at Wildcat Field. Goshen defeated No. 2-seed Taylor (Ind.) 1-0 tonight in the other semifinal match.