Montgomery, AL - The United States Sports University Eagles captured the Collegiate Development League championship in dramatic fashion Monday night, rallying late to defeat Faulkner University 2–1.
The Eagles opened the match on the front foot, controlling possession and pinning Faulkner in their defensive half through the first 15 minutes. Despite the pressure, the early breakthrough didn't come, and the match settled into a back-and-forth battle. With seconds remaining in the first half, a tough challenge resulted in a red card, forcing USSU to play the entire second half a man down.
Faulkner capitalized on the advantage in the 54th minute, when Anton Matanovic followed up a free kick rebound to put the hosts ahead 1–0. The Eagles refused to fold, responding with renewed urgency. Kidomo Albert led the charge with a dangerous shot early in the half and later drew a crucial penalty in the 79th minute. Albert calmly converted from the spot, leveling the match at 1–1 and reigniting the Eagles' hopes.
Just two minutes later, USSU struck again. After a scramble in the box, Jhonathan Santaclara-Enriquez rose to meet a cross and powered home a header to give the Eagles a stunning 2–1 lead. Faulkner pressed for an equalizer, even rattling the crossbar in the 84th minute, but the USSU defense stood tall to preserve the victory.
The Eagles' grit and composure under pressure proved decisive, securing their Collegiate Development League championship in thrilling fashion.