Men’s Soccer Defeated By No. 11 Post University In Conference Final

Bridgeport, Conn. – The University of Bridgeport men's soccer team lost in their Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament Final match against the number 11 nationally ranked and top seeded Post University Eagles 3-1 on Sunday afternoon. Bridgeport took an early lead, but it was not enough to overcome the potent Post offense over 90 minutes. The loss ends UB's 2023 season with a record of 10-7-3 overall and 7-3-1 in CACC play.

The Purple Knights got out to a dream start, scoring in the fourth minute of the game. Lucas Sousa (Jr., Campinas, Brazil) whipped an in-swinging service from the corner kick toward the front post where Joao Miranda (Fr., Bridgeport, Conn.) was able to flick it goalward. The headed shot took a deflection from a Post defender and found its way over the line to give UB a 1-0 lead and Miranda his fifth goal of the year.

The Eagles would equalize in the 18^th minute after a shot rebounded off the right post of the UB goal and Andrea Berti was first to react, hitting the volley into the back of the net to tie things at one goal apiece.

The teams would head to the locker rooms at halftime level at 1-1.

Post started the second half the hotter of the two teams and were rewarded in the 54^th minute when they were awarded a penalty kick after the referee deemed a UB defender to have used their arm while blocking a shot. Nicholas Anagnostiadis stepped to the spot and was able to place his shot from the mark just beyond the reach of Bridgeport shot stopper Hugo Franceschi (Fr., Toulouse, France) to give Post a 2-1 lead.

The advantage was doubled in the 60^th minute as Omar Florindo bombed down the left flank and served a lofted ball to the back post where Gentian Selimi headed the ball home to broaden the Eagles' lead to 3-1.

UB would fight to get back into the match. They came closest in the 82^nd minute when Alex Tan (Sr., Vichy, France) was able to split three defenders to get Joao Miranda in behind. Miranda danced by two defenders but had his shot saved by Post keeper Soren Jensen. The rebound was gathered by Lucas Sousa who slid the ball across to Lapo Romieri (Fr., Milan, Italy) who's shot was cleared off the line by Felix Nassen.

The final buzzer would sound with Post University 3-1 winners and champions of the CACC Tournament.

2023 CACC All-Tournament Team

Maurice Engl – Georgian Court

Sebastian Derflinger – Georgian Court

Gabe Paz – Jefferson

Matteo Crescente – Jefferson

Maximilian Kissel – Bridgeport

Lapo Romieri – Bridgeport

Hugo Franceschi - Bridgeport

Noah Bolivard – Bridgeport

Aritz Uriate – Post

Nick Anagnostiadis – Post

Andrea Berti – Post

Omar Florindo – Post

Markus Boe Tunge – Post

Soren Jensen - Post

Most Valuable Player

Andrea Berti – Post