BRADENTON, FLA. — Three Sacred Heart University men's soccer players helped AC Connecticut win the USL Academy Finals championship at IMG Academy in Florida, defeating Indy Eleven in the final to take home the title.

Danny Istambouli, Luca Marinelli, and Johan Bermudez all played big roles for AC Connecticut during the tournament. The team made a strong run through the playoffs and finished it off with a championship win against Indy Eleven, a team they lost to in last year's final.

Bermudez was one of the key players in the tournament. He scored the first goal of the championship match and also added two goals earlier in the playoffs. His strong performances earned him a spot on the USL Academy Finals All-Tournament Team.

Marinelli served as AC Connecticut's goalkeeper and was a leader throughout the tournament. After the final win, he was the first player to lift the championship trophy, showing how important he was to the team's success.

Istambouli played every minute of the tournament for AC Connecticut. His effort and consistency helped the team stay focused and push through each match on the way to the championship.

Winning the title meant a lot to the three Sacred Heart teammates, who recently shared a successful season together in college.

"It was a familiar feeling," Bermudez said. "We were MAAC regular season champs this season, and winning again with great teammates like Luca and Danny makes it even more special since we've been together almost every day since the summer."

Bermudez said the experience in Florida was memorable both on and off the field.

"It was fun taking on a new challenge in a new environment," Bermudez said. "Learning how to grow as a team with a new group of guys and all of us coming from Connecticut made it really special."

He also pointed to the opening round as a turning point in the tournament.

"Scoring the first two goals against Miami FC helped us get past the first round and set us up for a great tournament," Bermudez said.

For Istambouli, winning with his Sacred Heart teammates helped after a tough ending to the college season.

"It was a great feeling to play with the SHU boys and win the tournament," Istambouli said. "It definitely helped after losing in the MAAC final."

Istambouli also talked about what it meant to win with AC Connecticut.

"It was a great experience," he said. "Being on AC Connecticut's first-ever team and winning a national championship for them felt incredible."

Off the field, Istambouli said the team enjoyed spending time together.

"The best part was just hanging out with the boys," he said. "Enjoying the warm weather, relaxing after games, and going out to dinner together."

Marinelli said winning the championship with his Sacred Heart teammates made the moment even better.

"It meant a lot to win with Danny and Johan," Marinelli said. "We were very focused and hungry to win, especially after losing to Indy Eleven in last year's final."

Marinelli said the final match was the toughest game of the tournament and felt like a chance for redemption.

"We knew this game was for revenge," he said. "We weren't going to let it happen again."

After the championship was decided in a penalty shootout, Marinelli said holding the trophy was an unforgettable moment.

"Holding the trophy with that group of guys was an amazing feeling," Marinelli said. "Being the captain and leading the team made it even more special."

Looking back on his time at Sacred Heart, Marinelli said he is grateful for everything he learned as a Pioneer.

"I learned a lot during my time at Sacred Heart," he said. "This season taught me that hard work pays off, and I'll always remember the experiences and lessons I gained as a player and a person."