Men’s Soccer Takes #1 Berkeley Into 2OT, Drops Both At USCAA Tourney

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men’s soccer team dropped both contests in Pool A of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament last weekend suffering defeat to #1 Berkeley College- NY and eventual tournament champions 1-0 in double overtime, and to #4 Penn State University- Brandywine 3-2.

L, 1-0 vs. #1 Berkeley College-NY | BOX

Berkeley’s Ryuji Sugiyama scored the golden goal after nearly 102 minutes of action in the second overtime period. Sugiyama connected for a 30-yard bullet that found the top corner of the goal to give the Knights their first victory of the tournament.

SMCC first-year goalkeeper Joshua Nagle (Biddeford, Maine) and the defensive unit provided a tremendous effort to keep Berkeley off the scoreboard for as long as they did. Nagle made nine saves and first-year left back Mohamed Hassan (Lewiston, Maine) made a goal line save to keep it scoreless in regulation.

L, 3-2 vs. #4 Penn State- Brandywine | BOX

The first half ended in a 1-1 score, trading goals in the early goings of the 45-minute period. Brandywine’s Nathan Bowman scored two in the second to secure the 1-goal victory for the Lions in the consolation game.

Everyone appeared for SMCC in the contest, led by first-year midfielder Joel Musese (Auburn, Maine) who netted both for the SeaWolves—his ninth and tenth goals of his rookie campaign.

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Brian Dougher reflected, “Although we didn’t bring back a win, this was a successful trip for so many other reasons. I thought our program showed why we belong in our game with top-seeded Berkeley. Carrying a big roster, it was important to us as coaches to get everyone playing time on day two. I look forward to returning a core group in 2020 and get back to the big dance next year!”

The SeaWolves conclude their season at 13-4 overall, matching a win total dating back to the 2011 season.

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