Tomcats Reach the Final

American Soccer Club New York is just one win away from making even more franchise history.

The Fighting Tomcats continued their remarkable postseason run Wednesday night, defeating the New York Shockers 3-1 in the National Premier Soccer League's North Atlantic Conference Semifinal at Afrim's Sports Park. The victory sends American Soccer Club NY to the North Atlantic Conference Championship Match, where they will face New Haven United FC on Saturday with a conference title on the line.

"The coaches and I are very proud and pleased with the team's performance," Head Coach John Fitzgerald said. "It's always a competitive match with the Shockers, and credit to them for pushing us so hard."

After a scoreless first half, the Fighting Tomcats took control behind another outstanding performance from Junior Rosero. The standout forward opened the scoring in the 58th minute with a perfectly placed direct free kick before striking again just three minutes later, finishing a pass from Bradyn Brown to give American Soccer Club NY a commanding 2-0 lead.

The Shockers cut the deficit to one with a goal in the 87th minute, but any hopes of a comeback were quickly erased. Brayden Walker capped the victory with a brilliant solo run, scoring in the third minute of stoppage time to seal the 3-1 win and send the Fighting Tomcats into the conference final.

Fitzgerald also praised the team's defensive effort and midfield leadership.

"Junior having a brace and Brayden Walker sealing the win with our third goal was key up top for us," Fitzgerald said. "Then in the back, Aidan Ganun was solid in goal with Lucas Nicolaou keeping our back line tight. Credit to Sean Fitzgerald and Leo Pinto in the midfield for calming the game down when it was sorely needed. Both of them are truly our unsung heroes."

The Fighting Tomcats will now turn their attention to New Haven United FC. American Soccer Club NY went 0-1-1 against New Haven during the regular season, falling 3-0 on May 30 before battling to a 2-2 draw on June 6. With a championship now within reach, the Fighting Tomcats will look to turn those earlier results into the biggest victory in franchise history.