The Clarkstown SC Eagles will be competing for a spot in the NPSL National Championship on Saturday as they take on AFC Cleveland in the national semifinals. Clarkstown has gotten so far partly because of striker Lucas Befi’s consistently stellar play.
Befi hails from Sao Paolo, Brazil, and came to the United States to play for Belhaven University, a private university located in Jackson, Mississippi. To say it was an adjustment for him would be an understatement.
“The hardest thing was leaving behind my family and friends. There’s also some culture shock, but I think it’s a good thing to learn from different cultures.”
After redshirting his sophomore year, Befi was a star for Belhaven in the 2015 season. The striker played in all games with 17 starts and recorded six assists and 14 goals for the Blazers. Three of those goals were game-winners. Befi’s impressive play earned him NSCAA/NCCAA First Team All-American honors.
Befi really enjoyed his time at Belhaven.
“I was a part of a very competitive soccer program, going to nationals every year I played. But the best part about it was the friends I made there.”
The Brazilian striker’s stellar play has extended into his NPSL career. Befi began his NPSL career with the Storm FC, a team based out of Florida.
“They were very receptive to all the players, it being their first year,” he said. “I believe we had a good season.”
Befi has since moved on to Clarkstown SC, where he has become a star of sorts for the New York-based squad. Befi led the Eagles in goals but has been humble in doing so.
“I believe we have a good balance between experienced players that control our tempo and guys that are striving to win.”
While Befi remains humble, Clarkstown head coach and owner Oliver Papraniku continues to sing Befi’s praises.
“Lucas has fit in very well with our team and has replaced Bljedi Bardic as our go-to scorer,” he said, “He has the ability to make it to the next level based on his skills and nose for the goal.”
Papraniku also noted that Befi has contributed seven assists to his team, several of which were key game-winners.
Clarkstown will strive to win on Saturday, where they will have home field advantage over AFC Cleveland. Befi is expecting a hard-fought match.
“It’s crunch time. They’re not coming here to lose. I’m getting ready for battle.”
As for how he expects Clarkstown to defeat Cleveland, it’s simple: “Try to impose the game plan that has gotten us this far.”
The match will kick off on Saturday at 4 pm ET at Ramapo College in Mahwah, NJ. You won’t want to miss it. It’s going to be a game to remember.
