by John Salvatore
Irvington High School alum Xavier Canfin delivered a moment to remember on the national stage, scoring the game winning goal in overtime to secure the 2025 NCAA DIII Men’s Soccer National Championship for Tufts University.
The championship match on December 7 was a dramatic battle between Tufts and Trinity University. Tufts plays in Massachusetts, while Trinity plays in Texas. Tufts entered the game ranked as the favorite, but they trailed 1-0 late in regulation. With only a few seconds remaining, a clutch goal tied the match and sent it into overtime. That created the need for overtime, in which the next goal would win the game. 5 minutes into the period, Canfin broke free and calmly finished the deal sending the Tufts bench into a frenzy.
Canfin’s goal capped an outstanding tournament performance, helping Tufts earn its fifth national championship in program history. Throughout the postseason, he played a key role in the team’s attack and consistently stepped up in high-pressure moments. His performance in the title match earned him recognition as the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament on Offense.
For the Irvington community, Canfin’s success is especially meaningful. He was a standout soccer player for the Bulldogs and became known for his skill and leadership. During his time at Irvington, Canfin elevated the program and left a lasting impression on teammates and coaches alike.
By continuing his soccer career at Tufts, Canfin is representing Irvington on a national stage. Irvington fans will undoubtedly continue to follow his career as he builds on this historic achievement.
Comments are closed.