The Burlington County College Barons men’s soccer team has advanced to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I National Tournament.
The Barons (15-2-2) earned a place in the national tournament for the first time in 17 years after defeating Bryant & Stratton College – ranked seventh in the nation – 2-1 on Nov. 9.
The team lost the Northeast District championship to ASA College 1-0 on Nov. 10, and head to Tyler, Texas for the national tournament of the nation’s top 12 Division I junior colleges next week.
“Our men showed their character in two tough match ups this weekend, and the competition won’t get any easier next week,” head coach Craig Dewar said in a statement. “I’ve always said our team can compete against any in the nation and we’re all looking forward to that opportunity next week.”
This marks the first time in 11 years as Barons coach that Dewar has taken a team to the national tournament. He participated in the tournament as a player for the Barons in 1996.
The 2013 Barons, seeded ninth in the tournament, are eager to follow in their coach’s footsteps.
“We’re very excited to play in the national tournament,” said team captain Jack Verth, of Broxburn, Scotland. “We know that we’re a good team and we believe that we can compete against anyone in the country. We’ve had great support from the school and our friends and family all season long, so we hope to continue to make everyone proud as well as doing everything in our power to bring home the championship.”
The team is set to head to Texas for the week-long tournament on Nov. 16.
