In recent student events, on November 18, the fall semester BUSA Final kicked off between Trainwrexham AFC led by student captain Connor Lehman against GGFC led by student captain Gabe Fuerte.
The Benedictine Underground Soccer Association is a student-run league that takes place every semester after intramural season ends. The association selects captains who participate in the annual BUSA draft, where the captains select their teams from the pool of players who sign up for the draft.
As exciting playoff games went by, with upsets experienced and triumphant moments, it all came down to one game. The final. Both teams processed onto the field behind the match officials Adam Argo, Elliot Albin, Will Crawford, and Jack Rineburg. The Champions League anthem playing, followed by the United States national anthem.
GGFC went up 1-0 with a goal from Elijah Zimmer in the first half of play. Michael Zimmer then put GGFC up 2-0 early in the second half. Midway through the second half Trainwrexham AFC found new life, rallying back with two goals of their own late in the second half supplied by Ambrose Blosser and John Paul Petris, sending the final into overtime.
Two hard-fought five-minute overtime halves were played, ultimately leading to a scoreless outcome, which would send the BUSA final into penalties.
Both teams stepped up with their best five penalty takers. The Busa Final ended with Trainwrexham AFC winning on penalties 2-1, with goalie John Paul Longstaff providing a masterclass in penalty saving, punching the ball out of the top corner and deflecting a shot up and off the crossbar by the stretch of a toe. Final score: Trainwrexham AFC vs. GGFC: 2-2 (2-1) on penalties.
Ultimately, with saves made and goals put away, Trainwrexham AFC went on to be the fall semester BUSA Champions of 2025. Congratulations to those students and the hard work they’ve put in.
