Five Towns College Men’s Soccer Stuns #1 Bryant & Stratton – Syracuse in Semifinal Thriller, Advances to NACIA Conference Championship

Five Towns College Men’s Soccer Stuns #1 Bryant & Stratton – Syracuse in Semifinal Thriller, Advances to NACIA Conference Championship
October 29, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2025

Five Towns College Men's Soccer Stuns #1 Bryant & Stratton – Syracuse in Semifinal Thriller, Advances to NACIA Conference Championship

Syracuse, N.Y. — The Five Towns College Men's Soccer team delivered a stunning upset in the North American Conference for Intercollegiate Athletics (NACIA) Men's Division I Conference Semifinal, defeating #1 seed Bryant & Stratton College – Syracuse 4–3 in penalty kicks after a dramatic 3–3 draw in regulation and overtime.

The Sound battled from start to finish in what proved to be one of the most exciting matches of the season. Five Towns College struck first in the opening half when Gabriel Santos finished a pinpoint cross from Andre Hickling, giving the Sound early momentum. After Syracuse equalized, Jean Kazadi, assisted by Edward Washington, reclaimed the lead midway through the second half.

Bryant & Stratton continued to press and tied the game once more, but Five Towns answered with another highlight moment — a composed finish from Edward Washington, set up by Danny Valverde, to make it 3–2. The Bobcats found a late equalizer to send the match into extra time, where both sides had opportunities to win it.

In the closing moments of overtime, goalkeeper Jose Garcia made a brilliant penalty kick save to preserve the tie and push the game to penalty kicks. Garcia's heroics continued in the shootout, where he made two crucial saves to lift the Sound to victory.

Penalty Kick Results – Five Towns College:

Garcia stopped 2 of 4 shots faced in the shootout, sealing the Sound's historic advancement to the NACIA Men's Division I Conference Championship Final.

"This team never stopped believing," said head coach Jason Fiscina. "We knew we had to stay disciplined, stay together, and trust each other. Garcia was unbelievable, and every player showed the heart of a champion."

With the win, Five Towns College advances to the NACIA Conference Championship Final, where they will face Bryant & Stratton College – Rochester on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Final Score:
Five Towns College 3 – Bryant & Stratton College – Syracuse 3
Five Towns wins 4–3 on penalty kicks

Goals – Five Towns College:

  • Santos (Assist: Hickling)

  • Jean (Assist: Washington)

  • Washington (Assist: Valverde)