Former Generals continue in NCAA Soccer Tournament

HERKIMER, NY - Three former Herkimer soccer players are still competing in the NCAA Division I and II national soccer tournament. Ben Polk and Korab Syla are part of the Syracuse University men’s soccer team that have advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history. The Orange defeated Dartmouth 2-1 in the second round and Seattle 3-1 in the third round. 

Polk helped lead the Orange to their first ever ACC championship scoring both goals against Clemson in a 2-0 win in the semi-final and the only goal in the championship in a 1-0 win against Notre Dame leads Syracuse in scoring with 11 goals. 

Syla who started every game this season until suffering a hamstring injury is now healthy and receiving quality minutes.

The Orange will host Boston College, the last team to beat Syracuse, in the Elite Eight on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for youth ages 18 and under. The winner of that match will advance to the College Cup in Kansas City, Kansas.

Jermaine Windster and his University of Charleston (UC) team returns to the NCAA Men's Soccer Division II Final Four for the second consecutive season after defeating LIU Post Pioneers 2-1 Saturday evening at Schoenbaum Stadium.

UC, last year's national runner-up, is looking to avenge last year's 3-2 loss in the final to Lynn University where Herkimer’s alum Charlie Anderson was a starter. They will take #1 Pfeiffer University Thursday, December 3 in Pensacola, Florida at 5 p.m. in the national semi-final.

“I am so proud Ben, Korab and Jermaine,” said Herkimer Generals Head Coach Coach Pepe Aragon. “They are making their Herkimer family extremely proud. We will continue to watch and support them through their championship run.”

-Pepe Aragon