Former Revs U-18 captain Caldwell scores big

Former Revs U-18 skipper Scott Caldwell helped Akron clinch their first NCAA Championship (Photo: revolutionsoccer.net)

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Scott Caldwell, the first-ever captain of the New England Revolution U-18 squad, steered Akron to its first-ever NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship Sunday afternoon at Harder Stadium.

Caldwell, who hails from Braintree, Mass., came up clutch for Zips in the 78th minute when he collected his own rebound inside the box and fired it through to give Akron the only goal they’d need to beat undefeated Louisville, 1-0.

The Akron sophomore, who scored all five of his career goals in the last seven postseason games, was named the most outstanding offensive player of the final four.

Moments after the final whistle, Caldwell reflected on his recent scoring streak.

“Once I got my first one, that gave me the confidence to go forward,” Caldwell told espn.com. “There’s luck involved, too. The ball’s been bouncing my way. That’s what happened today.”

Caldwell, who also scored for the U-18s during the 2009 U.S. Soccer Academy Winter Showcase againt Washington Premier FC in December 2008, could someday land back in Foxboro once his college career concludes. As a former youth player for the Revs, the club will have the right to sign him when he leaves school.