 In a clash of epic proportions, Thomas College Men's Soccer, fueled by the heroics of four Bermudian stars, staged a breathtaking comeback against the #2 ranked Maine Maritime Academy Mariners. Down 2-0, Thomas College roared back to secure a 3-2 victory and claim the coveted 2024 North Atlantic Conference Men's Soccer Eastern Championship title.
Bermuda's own Cody Robinson, Isaiah Francis, Tre Burgess, and Joshua Joseph played pivotal roles in this dramatic turnaround. Despite early pressure from Thomas College, including shots from Tristan Kjartansson and David Ivarsson that forced two saves from the Mariners' goalkeeper, it was Maine Maritime who struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute.
The Mariners extended their lead to 2-0 with a penalty kick early in the second half. But the Terriers, with their Bermudian contingent leading the charge, refused to surrender. Robinson ignited the comeback with a goal in the 58th minute, assisted by Burgess. Ten minutes later, Joseph delivered a crucial assist to Harry Clough, who leveled the score at 2-2.
The tension mounted as a Thomas College penalty kick was saved in the 76th minute. However, a red card to a Mariners player in the 78th minute swung the momentum back in favor of Thomas College. With just 16 seconds remaining, Joseph seized the moment, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to score the game-winning goal and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
Joseph's heroics etched his name into the Thomas College record books. His goal and assist propelled him to the top of the program's all-time points list with 117, and he also surpassed Christopher Parsons for 6th all-time in goals scored in a single season.
This thrilling victory, fueled by the determination and skill of the Bermudian quartet, will be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks in Thomas College soccer history, as they advanced to the 2024 North Atlantic Conference Men's Soccer Championships.
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