The Herkimer Generals are National Champions
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 very good, and the stands were full. It was a grand day for soccer, and the Herkimer eleven rose to the occasion.
Photo: Charlie Anderson scores on this chip shot from 20 yards out; Jordan Stoddart (14) follows to make sure it’s in
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
Once again the Generals defensive play was outstanding. Seniors Elliott Hockley and Davarr Pedlar were rock solid in their deep back roles. Freshman Mike Kuss held the fort at right back, and fellow freshman Stephen Donaghy controlled play on the left side.
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.
Photo: Genesee goalie Joe Agershous can only watch as Jordan Stoddart’s shot scores; Charlie Anderson reacts
Cody Farrier scored Herkimer’s third goal. His was another sweetly chipped shot over the goalie.
Photo: Cody Farrier watches as his shot flies above the goalie and into the goal’s side netting
The Cougars scored with 11:15 remaining. Brady Smith fired an unstoppable shot into the goal’s high right corner.
General Charlie Anderson then sealed the win three minutes later. Fellow forward Farrier passed to open space. Anderson sprinted for the ball, went in alone, worked his way around the keeper, and scored into an open net. 4-1 Herkimer. (See video below.)
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.
Game statistics and four videos are available below.
All-Tournament Team
The following players were named to the All-Tournament Team
# 9 David Neuberth – Howard CC
# 24 Peter Radev - Bergen CC
Photo: Tournament MVP Reco McLaren takes the ball upfield
#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 thank the crowd
Photo: The National Champions
Championship Game Statistics
Herkimer – 4
GCC – 1
Photo: Davion Bailey goes high to control the ball
Herkimer Scoring
Charlie Anderson – 2g, 1a
Jordan Stoddart –1g
Cody Farrier – 1g, 1a
Reco McLaren – 1a
Jon Rosscraig – 1a
GCC Scoring: Brady Smith - 1g
Halftime Score: 1-0 Herkimer
Corner Kicks: Herkimer 7, GCC 0
Goalkeeping:
Herkimer: Davion Bailey – 7 saves, Erik Szczerba – 1 save
Genesee: Joe Agershous – 3 saves
Video: Reco McLaren strikes
Video: Charlie Anderson puts Herkimer up 4-1
Video: End of game
Video: Coach Aragon’s post-game interview
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