BOSTON, Mass.—UMass Boston men's soccer senior Nilton de Andrade (Fogo, Cape Verde) saved his best for last on Sunday. 
 
The All-American forward scored the game-tying and game-winning goals in the final six minutes of regulation, to lead Brockton United FC past NY Contour United 2-1 in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) East Region Championship Game. 

"It means a lot to me and my team to advance to the Final Four because it's the first time Brockton FC has made it this far," de Andrade said. "For most of us, we haven't had the chance to leave the state, or the region to compete and now we are competing for a National Title. This year has been special for me and for Brockton FC." 
 
De Andrade tied the game in the 84^thminute, when he slipped past a defender at the far side of the box and then slotted his shot inside the keeper to tie the game. In stoppage time, Brockton United FC countered off a NY Contour United corner kick. De Andrade received the ball 25 yards out with only the keeper to beat, he calmly dribble past the goalie and then ripped a shot into the wide-open net win the contest. 

"It's been awesome that I have had the opportunity to play since there's no college soccer season, and without soccer, the world just isn't the same for me," de Andrade said. " Soccer is in my blood and if I don't play, I wouldn't know how to act. Also playing in the UPSL has really helped me improve my fitness level, because the competition is very good." 
 
For his efforts, de Andrade was nominated for the UPSL Fall Season Week 18 Player of the Week. Fans can vote for de Andrade on twitter (by clicking here) until Wednesday, December 16^that 11:59 pm. 

"I can't wait to return to UMass Boston to play soccer for my final college season!" de Andrade said. "I miss my teammates, coaching staff and the UMass Boston soccer fans. I've worked really hard on-and-off the field and want to showcase my improvements and my leadership, to make sure that my senior year is special. I want to bring a championship back to the program and hopefully move on and play at the highest competition I can as a player." 

He put together a career year in 2019 for the Beacons. De Andrade was named a United Soccer Coaches (USC) Third Team All-American last fall, after leading the Beacons with 12 goals, eight assists and 32 points. 
 
With the victory, Brockton United FC advanced to the UPSL Division I National Semifinals. Brockton United will travel to Atlanta, Georgia from March 5-7 to compete for the UPSL Division I National Championship. 
 
The UPSL Division I is made up of over 150 amateur teams from across the country that compete in regional divisions. Even with the pandemic restricting travel and play in large areas of the country, 129 teams began the season competing for the UPSL Division 1 Fall National Championship. 
 
Brockton United FC competes in the Patriot League of the Northeast Conference. They finished tied for first in their eight-team league alongside Mass United FC, with both teams finishing with an identical 7-0-1 record.  
 
In the playoffs, Brockton United FC had to win five games to reach the national semifinals. Brockton has beaten their five opponents, three of which were division winners, by an 11-4 margin.