The USCAA announced its selections for the 2019 Division II National Soccer Tournament on Wednesday afternoon. The Berkeley College New York men's soccer team – this year's HVIAC champions – earned an automatic qualifier with its victory over SUNY-ESF in the HVIAC finals this past Sunday. Not only will this serve as the New York men's soccer team's fourth trip into the USCAA Tournament, but it also marks the first time that the Knights earned the No. 1 seed.
Berkeley College New York will be in the "A" pool, taking on Southern Maine Community College on Friday, November 8, at 4:45pm, before battling Penn State Brandywine on Saturday, November 9, at 4:45pm. If the Knights are able to advance from the B pool, they will head to the title game on Monday afternoon, November 11 (4:00pm), where they will take on the winner of the "B" pool – either Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte, Berkeley College (New Jersey), and Penn State Beaver.
This year's tournament will once again take place at the Princess Anne Athletic Complex in Virginia Beach, VA. Berkeley College has put forth a memorable 2019 campaign up to this point, and Head Coach Stavros Zomopoulos says his team is confident as it gets set to put forth its best effort in capturing its program's first National crown.
""Our team has put together a tremendous season, accomplishing many goals and countless firsts, and to see these student-athletes get rewarded with a chance to compete for a USCAA National title, it's extremely gratifying," Zompolous said. "I am very proud of this group for earning an opportunity to compete on the grandest stage at our level, and I cannot say enough positive things about what they've done this year. We are ready for the challenge of taking on some of the best teams that the USCAA has to offer."
The Knights have been one of the best teams in the Nation in 2019, as the squad is currently 12-6-1 on the year. The Knights 5-1 HVIAC action, out-scoring foes by a count of 27-0 in their five conference triumphs. Some of Berkeley College's signature non-conference victories included an opening day 3-2 victory over defending USCAA Division II National titlist Penn State Brandywine, a 2-1 triumph over SUNY Maritime back on September 11, and an impressive 3-2 win at Vassar back on September 25.
To follow the Knights in their quest for a National Championship, visit the USCAA website – www.theUSCAA.com. Recaps of all Berkeley College contests will be available by the Knights' athletics website at www.berkeleycollegeknights.com.