Escobar scores twice as Suffolk CC wins national soccer title

Dimas Escobar scored both goals for No. 1 seed Suffolk CC as it defeated No. 2 Herkimer, 2-1, in the NJCAA men's soccer national championship Sunday in Herkimer, N.Y., to earn its first national championship in program history.

The first Escobar goal came only six minutes into the game, assisted by Joe DiGiglio.

The Generals' Jon Rosscraig tied the score 15 minutes later, the first goal the Clippers' defense had given up in nine games, and the game remained tied going into the second half.

Escobar got the go-ahead goal with 25 minutes left in the game.

Goalkeeper Jesse Nulty, who made nine saves in the championship game, was named tournament MVP.

The Clippers (18-0-1) knew that beating Herkimer (21-1) on its home field would be difficult. The Clippers got a 3-2 victory at Herkimer back in August.

"Herkimer rarely loses at all," coach Frank Vertullo said. "It was a physical but well-played game and playing at Herkimer, in front of their home crowd, was tough.

"We play in one of the toughest leagues in the country [Region XV], and to finally win the national championship makes it a special year."