The USCAA announced its Division II men's soccer All-Americans on Thursday evening at the 2023 USCAA Soccer National Tournament Banquet in Pittsburgh, PA. Berkeley College's men's soccer team was well represented. Victor Batista and Suad Lukovic were tabbed as First Team All-Americans. Lucas Zuleta was named a Second Team All-American, and Lukovic, Yammir Yaffer, Matthew Flores, Eddie Becirovic, and Erik Roberts were honored as part of the National All-Academic Team.
"It was a terrific evening for our program, as seven of our student-athletes were recognized by the USCAA," Head Coach Bruno Ferreira said. "Countless hours have been put in by these student-athletes, as they continue to mature into fine young men, both on the field and academically. I'm very prideful when I reflect back on the season that they've put together so far, and we're locked in on playing our best over what we hope is a championship season. We're all excited."
Batista played and started in goal in 15 of Berkeley's 17 matches. The standout put together a record of 12-1 between the pipes, allowing just 13 goals (1.01 GAA) while making 46 saves. He came up huge for the Knights in the HVIAC championship contest against Five Towns College, stopping three Sound penalty kicks and helping the Knights win their second consecutive HVIAC crown.
"Victor has been absolutely stellar for us between the pipes this season, and his signature performance came in the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title match, when he came up with multiple saves in the shootout to keep us alive," Ferreira said. "A huge piece of our puzzle, we believe he could be a cornerstone of this program for years to come. He is extremely deserving of this honor that was bestowed upon him."
Lukovic was fantastic for the Knights during this 2023 campaign. He was one of six Berkeley College players to appear in all 17 of the team's games thus far, scoring eight goals, registering five assists, and totaling 21 points. He also scored three game-winning goals, easily establishing himself as one of the team's most prolific game-changers this year.
"Soccer is a battle of attrition, and Suad conquered that battle this season, not only playing in every match, but also playing at the highest possible level," Ferreria said. "For that, he earned this First Team All-American honor, and I couldn't be more proud oh him. Obviously, he is one of the most dangerous players in the USCAA, and he certainly proved that this season with his performances."
Zuleta registered five goals and four assists for a total of 14 points in 17 matches. He was a key piece to Berkeley's offensive puzzle during the 2023 campaign.
"Lucas is one of the most talented players on our team," Ferreira said. He possesses the mind and skill of a player who is ready to advance to the next level. His influence on our 2023 campaign has been obvious, and I'm very proud of him."
As for Yammir Yaffer, Matthew Flores, Eddie Becirovic, and Erik Roberts , Ferreira saluted their commitment to their studies.
"Yammir, Matthew, Eddie, and Erik are not only huge pieces to our 2023 puzzle on the field, but they've also starred in the classroom, and I'm very proud of their well-rounded establishment. They all work diligently to have that healthy balance, and they've done in it gracefully and impressively. I'm happy for them."
The Knights will now set their sights on winning that elusive USCAA Division II National title. Their quest begins on Friday, November 17, as the Knights travel to Pittsburgh, PA to take on the University of Cincinnati-Clermont at 3:30pm. Berkeley College will also play Penn State Brandywine on either Saturday, November 18, or Sunday, November 19, as part of "pool play." Should the Knights earn enough points in their "pool", they'll
