The Herkimer Generals are National Champions

Preliminary story – this story will be expanded with additional text, photos, and video Monday morning 

[ update 7:54 p.m. ]

Herkimer, NY – The Generals played an excellent game and defeated the Genesee Cougars 4-1 to win the junior college Division III National Championship on Sunday afternoon.

Photo:  Jordan Stoddart is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the goal that gave Herkimer a 2-0 lead.

The weather was good and the stands were full.  It was a grand day for soccer, and the Herkimer eleven rose to the occasion.

The Generals attacked from the opening kickoff.  After several Herkimer strikes and one threatening strike by the Cougars, General Charlie Anderson got the home team on the scoreboard in the 17th minute.  Midfielder Craig McCabe sprang Anderson free, and Anderson chipped the goalie from 20 yards out.

The score was 1-0 at halftime.

Photo: a portion of the large crowd that enjoyed the game

Jordan Stoddart scored what would prove to be the winning goal in the seventh minute of the second half.  Jon Rosscraig sent a through ball to Stoddart, who drove a left-footer past the Genesee keeper.

Cody Farrier scored Herkimer’s third goal.  His was also a sweet chipped shot over the goalie. 

The Cougars scored with 11:15 remaining, but sharpshooter Anderson netted another goal with eight minutes to play.  4-1 Herkimer.

Wehrum Stadium was the scene of great joy when the final buzzer sounded.  The Generals had played “The Beautiful Game” beautifully.  They earned the crown.  The Generals are the champions.

All-Tournament Team

The following players were named to the All-Tournament Team

# 9      David Neuberth – Howard CC

# 24    Peter Radev   - Bergen CC

#3       German Nielsen –Nassau CC

#5       Arnulfo Castillo –Nassau CC

#8       Stuart Trench - Anoka-Ramsey CC

#10     Adem Jillo – Anoka-Ramsey CC

#8       Jonny Bonner –Genesee CC

#4       Josh Gray –Genesee CC

#11     Brady Smith – Genesee CC

#7       Cody Farrier –Herkimer CC

#1       Davion Bailey –Herkimer CC

#19     Charlie Anderson –Herkimer CC

#10     Reco McLaren – Herkimer CCC –Tournament MVP

Head Coach Pepe Aragon – Herkimer County CC –Coach of the Tournament.

Photo:  All-Tournament Team members Josh Gray (4), Jonny Bonner (8), Brady Smith (11), Cody Farrier (7), Davion Bailey (1), Charlie Anderson (19), and Tournament MVP Reco McLaren (10)

Photo:  The National Champion Herkimer Generals