Vermont Advances to First College Cup Final

by Victor Olorunfemi

December 13, 2024

A late equalizer from Yaniv Bazini and penalty kick heroics from Niklas Herceg sent Vermont past Denver and into the first College Cup final in program history. The Pioneers led late in the second half, conceded just one shot on target, and dominated possession but still lost.

The match started in a cagey manner, with Denver having most of the ball but unable to break a stringent Vermont defense. The closest moment for a breakthrough came on a corner kick that struck the hand of a Catamount defender in the eighteen, but the referee refused a VAR check. Hence, both teams went into the half at 0-0, with the Summit League champions holding a 7-1 shooting advantage.

The start of the second half saw a much more aggressive Catamounts team, shifting the balance of the match into a more even affair. Then Sam Bassett struck in the 69th minute, curling a gorgeous long-range effort up and over the 6 foot 6 Niklas Herceg, who was having an outstanding evening. But as Vermont has all season, the response to adversity was positive as the America East champions put their foot on the gas in search of an equalizer.

"He's dangerous with it!" 🚨#MCollegeCup x 🎥ESPNU / @DU_MSoccer pic.twitter.com/tyYqSfrvjy
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 13, 2024

That increased pressure resulted in an equalizing goal from Yaniv Bazini as he chested and volleyed a gorgeous pass from Nathan Simeon. The senior forward has been a clutch performer all postseason, with that strike meaning he has scored in all five games. The following six minutes saw both teams create half chances to no success.

The equalizer!#MCollegeCup x 🎥 ESPNU / @UVMmsoccer pic.twitter.com/n6ZTQQJsdA
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 14, 2024

Denver began the overtime period as they did the match, monopolizing the ball with a patient buildup while Vermont sat deep in its final third. But nothing broke through with Herceg and the center-back duo of Zach Barrett and Max Murray holding strong. The closest opportunity came with a minute remaining as Oje Ofunrein leaped impressively but sent his header just wide of the goal.

Herceg again stepped up, saving the third penalty kick as a Denver miss in the fifth round sent the Catamounts to their first-ever College Cup final. Vermont will face Marshall on Monday evening.

Related Topics: America East, Summit League