MANALAPAN, N.J. – Senior-to-be Robert Wexler (Delmar, N.Y.) and sophomore-to-be Harrison Lane (Glenmont, N.Y.) of the State University of New York at New Paltz men's soccer team helped the Bethlehem Premier U20 Team capture the United States Amateur Soccer Association (USASA) U20 National Cup from July 16-18 in Manalapan, N.J.

This served as the national championship for all USASA and United States Soccer Federation (USSF) U20 teams.

Wexler played all four games of the national-championship competition as an outside back, contributing two assists in the squad's first contest of the event. Lane, an integral member of the team, was not able to attend the final.

In addition, incoming freshman Max Kornstein (Glenmont, N.Y.) competed as a reserve midfielder, netting the second goal of the title bout.

“It was a great opportunity to play against the best competition,” Wexler said. “It's very exciting to win the U20 national championship, and now I want to help New Paltz do the same.”

The Bethlehem Premier U20 Team's run was one for the ages, as it marked the first time a Bethlehem Soccer Club squad appeared in a national final, and it is believed to be the only soccer team in Capital District history to win a national championship.

After advancing through group play with a 1-0-1 mark, Bethlehem found itself in a thrilling semifinal matchup with Cherry Hill. Bethlehem trailed, 2-0, early in the second half but erased the deficit with two second-half scores. Following 30 minutes of overtime, the New York-based team advanced on penalty kicks, 4-2.

Pitted against another eastern New York club, the LaGrange Red Devils, in the national final, Bethlehem rose to the occasion once again, this time rolling to a 2-0 victory.

The USASA National Cups Competition is the oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament in the United States for any person who is a member of a team playing in a league of four or more teams affiliated with the USSF and the United States Adult Soccer Association.

The competition began in 1914 for the Men's Open Cup. In 1923, the Men's Amateur Cup was added; in 1980 the Women's Amateur and Over 30 Cups began.

The Bethlehem Soccer Club's U20 Premier Team, which is comprised of some of the top collegiate talent in the Capital District, competes in the New York Premier League, a division of the prestigious Eastern District Soccer League. Bethlehem is coached by Jeremy Bogan (former College of St. Rose head coach) and Scott Szelis (former Union College assistant coach) and is managed by John Knight.

The gold U20 National Cup, which stands more than two feet tall, will be presented to the Bethlehem Soccer Club by the team at its next home game.

Wexler made 13 appearances for the blue and orange in 2009, serving as a key reserve. Lane, a midfielder, started for New Paltz last season and tallied one goal and one assist.

The New Paltz men's soccer team begins its 2010 regular-season slate at home versus King's (Pa.) College on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 4 p.m.