Virginia Beach, VA- In a physical, defensive contest between Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse and the University of Maine Fort Kent, the Bobcats have emerged as National Champions. The Bobcats are no strangers to the National Championship game. For the past four year, Bryant & Stratton had received the runner-up trophy.
Prior to the championship game, the Bobcats were 2-0 in tournament play in 2019. They cruised passed Paul Quinn College with a score of 2-0. Connor McGoldrick scored the first goal with an assist from Luke Deacy. Jon Stublla sealed the win with a penalty kick in the 84th minute. The Bobcats then faced the Pomeroy’s of St. Mary of the Woods and took away the 3-2 win. Romaine Williamson scored the first goal of the game off of an assist by Ienik Spencer. Williamson then gave as assist to Andrew Gutzmore for the second goal of the game. Keeroy Lionel then scored what would become the game winning goal off of an assist from Mark Parchment.
In the Championship game, it was a back and forth fight between the Bobcats and the Bengals. It wasn’t until the 76th minute that the Bobcats would take an advantage of the free kick opportunity. John Stublla placed a perfect ball to USCAA First Team All-American and Tournament MVP, Connor McGoldrick, who headed the ball to the upper 90. The Bengals would only see a few chances to tie the game till the last 30 seconds of the game. A break away for Maine Fort Kent, moved Bryant & Stratton goalie Babucarr Ceesay out of position but McGoldrick solidified his place as MVP after heading the ball out of the area of play. This would seal Bryant & Stratton’s first ever national title in the USCAA who ended the season with an 13-0-2 record.
- All-Tournament Team
- Sebastian Mendez | Fr. Forward | Paul Quinn College
- Benjamin Zamora | Jr. Defender | Florida National University
- Andrew Gutzmore | Jr. Defender | Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse
- Edson Alvarado | Fr. Midfielder | St. Mary of the Woods College
- Glenroy Osborne| Sr. Goalkeeper | University of Maine Fort Kent
- Jon Stublla | So. Midfielder | Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse
- Nickalous Gayle | So. Forward | University of Maine Fort Kent
- Leacorft Lettman | Fr. Defender | University of Maine Fort Kent
- Yago Pimenta | So. Defender | Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse
- Romaine Williamson | Sr. Forward | Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse
- Travar McCulloch | Jr. Midfielder | University of Maine Fort Kent
- MVP: Connor McGoldrick | Sr. Defender | Bryant & Stratton College Syracuse