LOUISVILLE, Ky. — You can rarely be certain about all the things an incoming freshman will bring to a college program, but if nothing else, the Bellarmine University men's soccer team can bank on Cooper Forcellini arriving on campus with a championship mindset.

Forcellini and his Kansas-based Sporting Blue Valley Academy '03 squad recently captured the 2022 James P. Maguire Cup, which is the most prestigious national championship in youth soccer and dates back to 1935.

"Winning the James P. Maguire Cup is a great way for Cooper to finish his youth soccer career," Bellarmine Coach Tim Chastonay said. "I was able to watch the final and a couple of other games along the way. He played very well and was a key to the success of the team. We are looking forward to Cooper joining us this fall."

Indeed, Forcellini was one of the driving forces of the run to the national title. A central attacking midfielder and team captain, he started every match and was recognized as Top XI of the tournament.

Sporting Blue Valley Academy '03 played three games apiece in pool play at the Kansas State Cup, the Midwest Regionals and the USYS Nationals. After pool play, the team advanced to the final at the State Cup and the semifinals at both regionals and nationals, ultimately winning 4-of-4, 5-of-5 and 5-of-5 at each respective level of the tournament.

In the national title game, Sporting Blue Valley Academy '03 defeated Maryland Celtic 1-0 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

"I think we felt very comfortable going into nationals and had the mindset that we could win the whole thing if we played to our capabilities and standards," Forcellini said. "Going into nationals undefeated helped make us more confident while playing."

The experience was made that much more memorable for Forcellini because it was a family affair. His dad Shawn, a former goalkeeper at Rutgers, coached Sporting Blue Valley Academy '03.

"Winning a national title with my dad was very special to me because he's been a big supporter of me throughout my soccer career, both on and off the field," Forcellini said. "He is a role model for me and has been since I started playing."

Another "cool experience" at the tournament Forcellini mentioned was competing against several future Bellarmine teammates on Javanon FC '03 Black in the Midwest Regional final. The Louisville-based squad had current Knights players Ty Been and Jackson Marks along with fellow incoming freshmen Jeffrey Cox and Tate McCrery.

"It was great to see so many Bellarmine soccer players succeeding at a high level," Chastonay said.

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