Queens Students Pivotal in Briarcliffe College's 2008 USCAA Men's Soccer Championship Victory

November 21, 2008

Queens residents lead team to decisive win at this year's Men's Soccer National Championships

(Bethpage, NY …November 21, 2008 ) Nine Queens residents were instrumental in helping Briarcliffe College capture first place at the 2008 United States Collegiate Athletic Association's (USCAA) Men's Soccer National Championships held at Rochester College in Pontiac, MI late last month. These top athletes are: Captains and freshman midfielders Alan Acevedo and Sebastian Gonzalez, both from Elmhurst; senior goalkeeper Steven Diaz from Cambria Heights; freshman goalkeeper Trimaine Johnson from Jamaica; freshman defender Jorge Larios from Far Rockaway; junior defender Rosario Mannino from Ridgewood; freshman defender Bryant Panora from Corona; freshman midfielder Ariel Sanchez from Long Island City; and captain and sophomore midfielder Jorge Sanchez, also from Long Island City.

In only its second season and comprised primarily of freshman, the Briarcliffe College Men's Soccer Team excelled beyond expectations with a winning 6-5-1 record that led up to the invitation to compete in the USCAA National Championships.

Freshman midfielder Alan Acevedo was named All-American for his outstanding performance in the 2008 Men's Soccer All-Americans, 1st Team. Mr. Acevedo also received All Tournament status in the USCAA Championship Tournament in Michigan. Earlier in the year, the USCAA had recognized Alan Acevedo as ‘Player of the Week for October 14-19' for netting a goal and adding an assist in a 6-1 win by Briarcliffe College over Lincoln University.

Goalie Steven Diaz and Mr. Acevedo helped bring the team to victory in the quarter final of the national championships, in which Briarcliffe College played Penn State York and won 2-0. Diaz had four saves and Acevedo scored two goals in an impressive effort by both players.

According to Briarcliffe College Head Coach Rafael Morais, "The USCAA is a countrywide association and it was an honor to compete in the Nationals among the nation's top seven college men's soccer teams. The Briarcliffe College 2008 Men's Soccer Team has been sensational and these gifted young athletes have contributed significantly to our victory this year."

For information on Briarcliffe College, visit www.bcl.edu