BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) – In a thrilling showdown at Gene Malcolm Stadium, Bristol Rhythm AFC secured their spot in the NPSL National Championship Game with a decisive 2-0 victory over New Haven United.
After an intensely competitive but scoreless first half, Gabriel Ramos shattered the deadlock in the 76th minute with a stunning long-range shot, propelling Bristol to a 1-0 advantage.
Reflecting on his pivotal goal, Ramos shared, “My coach kept advising me to cut and look for a shot whenever I had the ball. That advice stayed with me, and when I got the opportunity, I executed it and was thrilled to see it pay off.”
Adding a layer of security to the lead, Nathan Booth clinched the win with a clinching goal just as the final four minutes approached, solidifying the team’s triumph.
“The whole journey feels simply magical,” Booth reflected. “I had doubts about getting this far, but witnessing the team’s skill and relentless determination to reach the final stage has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
James Bakou, who’s been with the program since the beginning, said reaching the championship is something he could only dream about during the early seasons.
“Honestly, I’m ecstatic. It’s amazing, to be honest,” Bakou said. “The first two years I never would’ve thought we’d come this far, and now we’re in a championship game. It’s incredible. Words can’t really describe how I’m feeling right now.”
The unbeaten Rhythm will host El Farolito next Saturday in the NPSL National Championship.