Christendom College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams: national championship bound. Both teams are heading to the national stage after earning invitations to the 2026 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Championships in Pittsburgh. The invitations mark a historic first for the men’s program and a fourth consecutive national championship appearance for the women, capping successful seasons that saw both teams capture their respective Eastern States Athletic Conference (ESAC) championships.
Men’s Soccer Earns Historic First National Invitation
The men’s soccer team enters the national championship tournament following one of the most successful seasons in program history, finishing 13-1 overall and a perfect 9-0 in conference competition. The Crusaders won 11 consecutive games after their lone loss in early September, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Manor College in the ESAC Championship game on October 31.
After a scoreless first half in the championship, Christendom broke through in the 55th minute on an own goal by Manor College. The Crusaders continued pressing offensively throughout the second half before Luke Vander Woude sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th minute, assisted by Joey Jalsevac. Goalkeeper Michael Vander Woude recorded five saves in the shutout victory, while Christendom outshot Manor 18-9.
Christendom’s success this season was fueled by a balanced offensive attack, led by Philip Vander Woude with 10 goals and Luke Vander Woude with nine. Luke also led the team with seven assists and 25 points, while teammates Tim Sheedy and Joey Jalsevac contributed five goals apiece. Defensively, Michael Vander Woude anchored the Crusaders in goal, recording a .882 save percentage and a 0.70 goals-against average.
With this historic regular season now wrapped up, the team will look ahead for the first time to the USCAA national championship, where they will be ranked as the #1 overall team and begin tournament play on November 13.
Women’s Soccer Returns to Nationals for Fourth Consecutive Year
While the men’s team prepares for its national tournament debut, Christendom’s women’s soccer team is continuing its impressive run of postseason appearances, earning an invitation to the USCAA National Championships for the fourth consecutive year.
The Crusaders finished their season with an 8-4-1 overall record, winning their final three games and capturing the ESAC Championship with a commanding 5-1 victory over Bucks County Community College on Nov. 2.
Christendom opened the scoring in the 35th minute when Maria Blank found the back of the net off an assist from Maddie Lee. Just five minutes later, Juliana Cuddeback doubled the Crusaders’ lead, sending Christendom into halftime ahead 2-0.
Cuddeback continued her impressive performance in the second half, scoring twice more to complete a hat trick and give Christendom a commanding four-goal advantage. Lee added the fifth and final goal in the 85th minute, assisted by Collette O’Reilly, securing the conference championship for the Crusaders.
Christendom dominated offensively throughout the match, outshooting Bucks County 25-12. Cuddeback finished with three goals on seven shots, while Lee contributed a goal and an assist.
Cuddeback led the team’s offense throughout the fall, recording nine goals, while Lee and Blank added four apiece. Goalkeeper Serena Keller provided a strong defensive presence for the Crusaders, recording 64 saves and a .821 save percentage entering the national tournament.
The team will start tournament play on November 14, competing as the #3 overall seed.
The national championship invitation continues a successful period for Christendom’s women’s soccer program. The Crusaders advanced to the USCAA National Championship game in 2024, finishing as national runners-up, and have now earned four consecutive invitations to compete on the national stage.
With conference championships secured and both teams carrying winning streaks into the national tournament, Christendom’s soccer programs will now turn their attention to competing against some of the top USCAA teams in the country.
They join the men’s and women’s cross-country teams on the national stage this year, with those teams competing this Saturday, November 7, in Pennsylvania.
To help make this year’s national championship trip possible, the teams are seeking to raise $10,000 each before November 13. Those interested in supporting the men’s soccer team can contribute here, while those interested in supporting the women’s soccer team can contribute here.
For more information on attending the games, visit here.