Florida National University Wins 2017 USCAA Men's Soccer National Championship

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Florida National University captured its first United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship on Monday evening at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex as its men’s soccer team downed Bryant & Stratton College 3-0.  

The Conquistadors opened the scoring early in the contest.  At the 1:55 mark, a corner kick led the ball to the foot of Onezimo Fransisco who crossed it from the left end line to goal scorer and All-Tournament selection Pedro Veiga.  The game became an aggressive contest the remainder of the first half, with six yellows being dealt to Bryant & Stratton and five to Florida National.  Florida National posted their second goal of the game at the 15:30 mark, behind USCAA All-American and tournament MVP Rodrigo Costa.  Fransisco, who was also selected to the All-Tournament team intercepted a Bobcat pass near midfield, and made a quick pass to Costa, who hit a low drive to the right corner of the goal to make the score 2-0.

It seemed that the tides may turn at the 35 minute mark, as Manueal Villegas was red carded following excessive challenge during a tackle.  Bryant & Stratton seemed to be controlling possession more than in the early game, however the back line and midfield of Florida National proved too much to overcome and Florida National would park the bus late.

Florida National added an insurance goal in the 47th minute, shortly into the second half.  Bryant & Stratton defender was forced to grab the breaking Conquistador forward to the ground, forcing a  Onezimo Fransisco penalty kick to take the game to 3-0, where the game would finish.  Florida National finished the game with twelve total shots, six on goal.  Fransisco was the star of the game with one goal and one assist.  Florida National keeper, Rodrigo Festuccia only was forced to make two saves on the game.  The Conquistador defense only allowed eight total shots, holding USCAA All-American and Player of the Year candidate Mattieu LeRoux to no shots on goal.  The Conquistadors win capped off an outstanding Fall Championship Week that saw their women’s volleyball team finish third, their women’s soccer team finish runner up, and a National Championship men’s soccer season.  

USCAA All-Tournament Team

Sr. Forward University of Maine Fort Kent Stefan Petricievic

Fr. Goalkeeper Dean College Nathan Silveira

Jr. Midfielder University of Maine Fort Kent Rodney Witter

Fr. Forward Dean College Felipe Campos

Sr. Midfielder Dean College Pepe Veira

Jr. Forward Florida College Gregorro Calvillo

Jr. Midfielder Bryant & Stratton Zino Zampach

So. Forward Bryant & Stratton Mattieu LeRoux

So. Midfielder Florida National Onezimo Fransisco

Jr. Forward Bryant & Stratton Uros Momic

So. Midfielder Florida National Pedro Veiga

Tournament MVP | Jr. Forward Florida National University Rodrigo Costa