"Moments like this are rare and special. To be the one who made this historic moment possible is an honor. Winning NEC Play of the Year makes this moment even more precious and is something that cannot be explained with words. Furthermore, I would like to thank you all for making this possible," said Tapuskovic.
Tapuskovic's golden goal was setup by Youssoufi, who was able to beat out a pair of Milwaukee defenders and then sent a cross directly to Tapuskovic, who concluded the contest with the golden goal as he fired the ball into the back of the net for the dramatic game-winner. The win marked the Terriers' first NCAA Tournament victory since 1978, and they became the first team from the NEC to win an NCAA First Round contest since Fairleigh Dickinson in 2012.
The NEC PLAY OF THE YEAR (presented by @GEICO) belongs to @SFBKTerriers' Ivan Tapuskovic ⚽️🙌
— Northeast Conference (@NECsports) August 2, 2021
His NCAA First Round GOLDEN GOAL won the week-long fan voting on Instagram #NECPOTY pic.twitter.com/dVuLcCteFe
The historic golden goal beat out 15 other top plays from around the NEC. Tapuskovic was matched up with Morgan Stanley who faked a pass and then made a three for Fairleigh Dickinson women's basketball in the round of 16. He then advanced to face Marlon Hargis' monster dunk from Saint Francis (PA) men's basketball in the quarterfinals.
After securing another win, Tapuskovic's golden goal went up against Julius Chestnut's bulldozing touchdown run from Sacred Heart football in the final four. Tapuskovic finally took on and defeated Malik Edmead's high-flying slam from Merrimack men's basketball to claim the title.
Tapuskovic was named to the All-NEC Second Team after a strong season for the Terriers. The senior played in all 10 games, made eight starts, and logged 824 minutes on the pitch. He recorded one goal, and a team-high four assists, which were also the most in the conference.