The Manor College men’s soccer team defeated Central Penn College 4-3 to claim the institution’s first Eastern States Athletic Conference (ESAC) Championship.

“What a ride this season has been, and to cap it off by winning the ESAC was amazing,” Manor College Head Coach John Dempster said.

“I always believed in this team, they just needed to believe in themselves. It all came together in the championship.”

Manor College entered the second half down 2-1. With the game tied 3-3 in the final 10 minutes, Manor College forward Eddie Fortescue Jr. headed a corner kick past the Central Penn keeper. The goal was the second of the night for the Blue Jays’ captain.

“We had a really good week at practice, we changed our approach offensively and tweaked some of our set plays,” Dempster said. “I felt like if we could replicate what we did at practice, we would be fine.”

Fortescue led the Blue Jays with two goals in the game, giving him 10 on the season. He leads the Blue Jays in goals, points, and shots on the year. Freshman Adan Crispin-Morales had three assists in the game, a career, and game high.

The championship victory was the first conference championship since 2007, and the first postseason victory since 2013.

The win marked the 100th victory for head coach John Dempster. Dempster, a Manor College alumni, became the head coach of the Blue Jays in 2010.

“(Sports Information Director) Steve Glassman reminded me as we were celebrating at the end of the game, and it was a reminder that none of this is possible without my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” Dempster said.

Dempster has been an employee of Manor College for more than 25 years. He currently serves as the institution’s Director of Athletics.

Read more about the Manor College men’s soccer team victory on Manor College’s website.

Manor College 75 Drone Footage