Vermont soccer wins first national championship after dramatic goal

Morning Sports Update

“Don’t call them Cinderella. You can call them national champs.”

Comeback Catamounts: The University of Vermont’s men’s soccer team, an unseeded entry in the 2024 NCAA Division I men’s soccer tournament, staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Marshall University 2-1 in the College Cup Final on Monday night in Cary, North Carolina.

It was the culmination of a memorable run for the Catamounts, clinching the soccer program’s first national championship. UVM overcame the odds repeatedly during a magical tournament performance, defeating four seeded opponents in the process (seventh-seeded Hofstra, second-seeded Pittsburgh, third-seeded Denver, and 13-seeded Marshall).

The team also showcased a flare for the dramatic. In both the semifinal and final, Vermont rallied from one-goal deficits.

Marshall broke through for the game’s opening goal in the 67th minute when Tarik Pannholzer pounced a rebound and roofed it into the net.

But as they had done before, the Catamounts persevered, calmly huddling to regroup after surrendering the goal.

True to form, Vermont head coach Rob Dow’s team responded. In the 82nd minute, UVM forward Marcell Popp played a quick one-two with teammate David Ismail just outside the box before firing the equalizing goal into the far corner.

VERMONT WITH THE EQUALIZER 😱#MCollegeCup x 🎥ESPN2 / @UVMmsoccer pic.twitter.com/XBlaZktq8K

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 17, 2024

Despite some additional chances, neither team was able to find the decisive third goal before the end of regulation.

In overtime, junior forward Maximilian Kissel delivered the crowning moment. He raced onto the end of a pass from defender Zach Barrett, overcoming the attempted desperation tackle from a Marshall center back before gliding past goalkeeper Aleksa Janjic and tucking the ball into an open goal.

A golden moment for the Catamounts 🤩#MCollegeCup x 🎥ESPN2 / @UVMmsoccer pic.twitter.com/se9J3TGMDE

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 17, 2024

Because of the NCAA’s specific rule system — which differs from those used by FIFA and other major leagues around the world — an overtime goal is a “golden goal,” meaning Kissel’s strike clinched the national championship.

“Don’t call them Cinderella. You can call them national champs,” declared play-by-play announcer Dalen Cuff.

It’s the first soccer championship for UVM, or any team from the American East Conference (the school’s ski team has previously won six national titles).

“I’m just really excited about going home and celebrating with all of our fans that we could here from afar, and get this parade going on Church Street,” Dow said after the game.

To his players, he had a simple postgame message.

“For the rest of your lives, you are a national champion.”

“For the rest of your lives, you are National Champions!”#MCollegeCup x @UVMmsoccer pic.twitter.com/Zn5ZPghNwG

— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 17, 2024

Trivia: What former U.S. national team star (and two-time World Cup champion) still holds the record for most points (goals and assists) in a single season in NCAA women’s soccer history?

(Answer at the bottom).

Hint: In 2003, she married a then-Red Sox player.

Scores and schedules:

The Boston Fleet host the Ottawa Charge tonight at the Tsongas Center at 7 p.m.

Later tonight, the Bruins face the Flames in Calgary at 9 p.m.

The Celtics return on Thursday to face the Bulls at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Fact vs. fiction on the Miracle on Ice: Former Team USA goaltender Jim Craig broke down how Herb Brooks in the movie “Miracle” compared with the real coach.

On this day: In 1961, the Patriots crushed the Chargers 41-0 to close out the regular season. Unfortunately, due to only two teams making the postseason — and the fact that Boston finished one game behind the Houston Oilers — the Patriots were shut out of the AFC Championship.

Interestingly, the prominent football coverage was reserved for the New York Giants, a team that prior to the Patriots’ existence attracted a large demographic of New England fans.

Daily highlight: Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught a touchdown during Monday Night Football and made sure to give an impromptu shoutout to Randy Moss.

“We love you Randy, that’s for you” 💜

Justin Jefferson showing love to Randy Moss after the TD 🥹 pic.twitter.com/fiSD5Vl4Df

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 17, 2024

Trivia answer: Mia Hamm