On this day in 1977 the Hartwick men's soccer team won their first ever NCAA Championship, defeating two-time defending champion University of San Francisco, 2-1.

The tension mounted throughout the first half of the game, as each team had quality scoring opportunities but could not finish. The contest remained scoreless after 45 minutes.

'Wick finally broke the ice early in the second half, after Duncan Macdonald was fouled along the right touchline. He sent the subsequent free kick into the center of the box, where a charging Art Napolitano headed it past the keeper for the lead in the 48th minute.

The Warriors earned some much-needed insurance in the 65th minute. Jeff Tipping sent a long ball through to Steve Long, who avoided a tackle from a Dons back and pushed the ball past the diving keeper for a 2-0 lead.

The celebration from the goal is pictured above, with Long in the center, John Young to the left side, and Billy Gazonas leaping in the background.

San Francisco finally scored off a corner kick with a few minutes remaining, but it was too little, too late, as the NCAA Championship trophy was destined for Oyaron Hill for the first time.

Game highlights
Box score
Tournament recap
Sports Illustrated recap