The Berkeley College New Jersey men's soccer team's magical season came to an end on Monday evening, as the Knights were defeated in the USCAA Division II men's soccer championship match, falling to the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales (North Carolina) by a score of 4-2. The match was played at the Princess Anne Sports Complex in Virginia Beach, VA. With the defeat, Berkeley wrapped up its 2022 campaign at 11-10-2, while the Wildcats finalized their year at 11-5-5.

 

Solidifying the National crown was a long time coming for the Wildcats after years of near-misses. Johnson & Wales (North Carolina) lost the National title game in both 2018 and 2019, with the latter defeat coming courtesy of Berkeley College New York. 

 

Johnson & Wales (North Carolina) struck early and often in this one, slipping two goals past Knights standout goaltender David Mroz to take a 2-0 lead before the 18th minute. Josiah Davis took advantage of a beautiful lead pass from Billy Esparza-Diaz before blasting a ball home at 14:28, and that was followed by Josiah Davis' tally at 16:59 (from Lucas Lesh at 16:59). The Wildcats out-shot Berkeley 7-5, and took that aforementioned 2-0 advantage into the break.

 

16:28 into the second half, Johnson & Wales (North Carolina) scored its third goal off a corner kick, as Lesh was able to slash the ball home in traffic to give his team a commanding lead. Prospects of a National title seemed to be bleak for the Knights at this juncture of the match, but Berkeley refused to go down quietly.

 

With 10:18 remaining in the match, Berkeley got on the board when Michael Paredes scored on a penalty kick to cut the Knights' deficit to 3-1. Later, with 4:47 left on the clock, Michael Mogollon received a swift pass from Suad Lukovic before slicing the ball home, drawing Berkeley to within a goal at 3-2. 

 

With the pressure on the Wildcats, Johnson & Wales (North Carolina) essentially iced the match 1:45 after the Knights' second goal when Josiah Davis scored in the box off a pass from Lesh to make it 4-2. Berkeley wasn't able to register another shot for the remainder of the title match, as the Wildcats advanced to win its long-awaited National crown.

 

For Johnson & Wales University (North Carolina), Mason Graham got the victory in net, playing the first half of action and not allowing a goal while registering two stops. His backup, Benjamin Burger, played the second half, allowing two goals. Berkeley's Mroz made four saves despite allowing the four goals.

 

Following the match, Berkeley's Esteban Pedruza, Michael Mogollon, Sam Morgado, and Dawid Mroz were selected to the All-Tournament team. 

 

Although the season didn't end with the Knights accomplishing their ultimate goal, there was still plenty for Berkeley College to be proud of this season. The Knights not only recorded double digit victories, but the team also won the HVIAC title in its first season in the conference. The Knights qualified for their third straight appearance in the USCAA Division II National Men's Soccer Tournament, and fourth overall as a program. Additionally, the team earned nine USCAA awards, including four Academic All-American distinctions, three First Team All-American honors, one Second Team All-American, and one Student-Athlete of the Year.