Almost a week after winning the program’s first USL League Two Championship, Seacoast United Phantoms soccer coach Alex Ryan is still beaming after last Saturday’s 3-2 title win over Peoria City.
“I think it is finally starting to sink in,” Ryan said. “We were on the road a lot; quick turnarounds and limited time to plan for the next game. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind but to now look back, it’s been pretty special and created memories for life with this group of players and staff.”
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The Phantoms tied the championship match at 2-2 in regulation, and won it on Alfred Baafi’s goal in the 95 th minute.
Taig Healy , who grew up in Hampton, graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in 2022, and played two years at the University of New Hampshire, was named the USL League Two Final MVP. Healy transferred to North Carolina State University after former UNH head coach Marc Hubbard accepted the same position at NC State last December.
Healy helped the Wildcats advance to the Sweet Sixteen of last year's NCAA Division I tournament, falling to Clemson, 1-0. Healy scored the eventual game-winning in last year's NCAA second-round, 3-0 win over Syracuse.
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Ryan called Healy winning the MVP is “brilliant and so well deserved.”
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“He was a key part of our success,” Ryan said. “He’s been instrumental in the growth and success of our USL 2 program these past four years.
“I have worked with (Healy) for numerous years and seen him develop through our academy system - he’s a top player with desire to succeed and win,” Ryan continued. “He’s proved to be a difference maker multiple times this year, and he will eventually go onto have a professional career in the game. I’m so happy for him.”
Ryan believes that this championship for the Phantoms, coupled with the program’s building success in return years, will help continue to elevate the program.
“I hope it does,” Ryan said. “It’s shows a clear pathway to the top of our pyramid and that we produce top level players. Eight players that were part of the final came through our Seacoast United youth program. That speaks volumes and the reason we have USL 2. Hopefully, we see them turn pro once they finish college.”
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast United Phantoms coach: USL 2 title shows power of club's program
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