The Vermont Catamounts men’s soccer team pulled off an unthinkable run in the NCAA College Cup and defeated Marshall 2-1 in extra time on Monday in the championship game.
Vermont’s triumph marked the first time in history the university has won a national championship in any sport outside of skiing. The Catamounts’ run to the final saw them pull off remarkable upsets against the likes of No. 7 ranked Hofstra, No. 2 Pitt, No. 3 Denver and finally No. 13 Marshall in the final (who beat No. 1 Ohio State in the semifinal).
The game-winning moment came in extra time when substitute Maximilian Kissel scored the golden goal to win the championship.
The historic moment only got better with the call from ESPN announcer Dalen Cuff. Listen in on the magic moment.
Vermont goal call vs. Marshall
A golden moment for the Catamounts #MCollegeCup x ESPN2 / @UVMmsoccer pic.twitter.com/se9J3TGMDE
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) December 17, 2024
Take a bow, Cuff. He did everything right in that moment with a banger line of “don’t call them Cinderella, you can call them national champs!”
Cuff then let the scenes speak for themselves as the wild celebrations ensued. THAT is how you commentate on a major moment. A special call for a truly special moment.
Vermont had a saying throughout their tournament run that described the mentality of the team. “Not underdogs, just dogs.”
The team were honored with a hero’s welcome back in Burlington on Wednesday.
THE ENGERY IS BUILDING! Reading to welcome our champions home! pic.twitter.com/98B4BavWdS
— University of Vermont (@uvmvermont) December 17, 2024
Introducing your National Champion Vermont Catamounts! pic.twitter.com/7vA25SWPBJ
— Ryan Zimmerman (@RyanZimmerman24) December 17, 2024
The National Champions are HOME!#MCollegeCup | #LetsRally pic.twitter.com/o1myb2yY10
— UVM Men's Soccer (@UVMmsoccer) December 17, 2024
