Bristol Rhythm AFC Defeats New Haven United FC 2-0 to Earn First NPSL National Championship Appearance
Crowd of 896 on hand at Gene Malcolm Stadium to see Bristol advance to the national championship match
By Allen Gregory/NPSL.com
Gabi Ramos began his soccer adventure at age five near his home in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The highlight of the journey came Saturday night in the mountains of Southwest Virginia.
In creative fashion, the five-foot-six attacker scored in the 75th minute to guide the top-ranked Bristol Rhythm AFC to a 2-0 victory over New Haven United FC at the NPSL National Semifinals.
“It was the biggest goal I’ve ever scored,” Ramos said.
That goal was also highlight-reel material.
Following a deft pass from Elliott Edwards, Ramos delivered a 23-yard crossing kick that soared past New Haven goalkeeper Christian Rodriguez.
“My coach had been telling me to just find a shot,” Ramos said. “I watched the trajectory of the ball, and I was just praying it would go into the net.”
Nathan Booth (South Africa) sealed the win for Bristol in the 87th minute after chasing down a loose ball.
“New Haven is a very good team that’s hard to break,” Ramos said. “We kept trying to work the ball and find space. I think it was a matter of time for us.”
Despite creating several chances on corner kicks and headers, New Haven (8-3-2) was unable to solve six-foot-four Bristol goalkeeper Noe Delmotte.
A diverse second-year club with one of the youngest rosters in the league, New Haven advanced to the national semifinals for the first time behind the dynamic work of midfielder Preston Alessio.
A sophomore from the University of Connecticut, Alessio was selected as the NPSL Young Player of the Season by TopDrawerSoccer.com.
The Bristol defenders kept Allesio and his mates in check. Meanwhile, Delmotte showed why he won the NPSL Golden Glove award and Southeast Conference MVP.
Bristol (13-0-1) will host next San Francisco-based El Farolito next Saturday night for the NPSL crown. El Farolito lost in the NPSL finals last year.
“It’s crazy to think that we’re just 90 minutes away from winning the national championship,” Bristol assistant coach Filipe Barateiro. “This means so much for the town and team. Every game this year has been a battle. New Haven is good, but we played very well, and I’m just so proud of the guys.”
Barateiro urged his players at halftime to attack from wide areas.
“And that’s what both goals came from. We were able to isolate wide players and go forward,” Barateiro said. “We have a lot of creativity. It’s hard to believe we’ve come this far in just three years. But we put in the work every day in training and our owners have done an incredible job.”
The speedy Booth described the playoff charge of the Rhythm in one word.
“Magical,” Booth said. “I didn’t know if we could make it this far, but it’s been great to see the quality and determination of the guys.”
Ramos, who earned Man of the Match honors, was mobbed by teammates and supporters after the win.
“It’s great to be here in Bristol with all these amazing fans,” Ramos said. “We’re having a very blessed season, and now we want one more win.”
Photo Credit: Mark Cooper/NPSL.com
