Hall of Fame
The University of San Francisco men's soccer team went into the 1980 season looking to add to their collection of titles and avenge a heartbreaking loss in the postseason at the same time, a crucial member of that team was defender Jan Elberse.
Jan Elberse, a native of Amsterdam, Holland, began his brilliant collegiate career in 1979. Â He was a four-time letter winner for the Dons where he appeared in 79 games as a fullback/defensive player. Â He scored a pair of goals and notched 10 assists.Â
It was his play in 1980 that truly stands out. Â That season, Elberse appeared in 23 of the Dons' 25 matches. He formed a potent backline that played stifling defense, tallying 11 shutouts during the season. During the Dons' championship run is where he shined.Â
In the semifinals that year, the Dons squared off against Alabama A&M, the team that ended USF's quest for a sixth championship the year before. Â With the Dons trailing 1-0, Elberse had an assist on the equalizer. Â USF avenged the loss going on to win 2-1. Â
In finals, the Dons were matched against Indiana, who had a strong first half with high-pressure defense and a fast-break attack. Indiana held a 2-0 lead at the break, but the Dons rallied to tie the game 3-3 and send the championship game into overtime.
In the 98th minute, Elberse sent a beautiful pass to teammate Fidelis Atuegbu whose shot found the back of the net and sealed the win for the Dons. Â The pass was described by legendary head coach Steve Negoesco as "The perfect pass, Jan caught the Indiana goalie going the wrong way and Fidelis with his fresh legs did the rest." Â
"I somehow found myself deep in enemy territory, at the end of a long pass down the wing by Erik Nielsen, took a few touches, when out of the corner of my eye I saw Fidelis." Elberse said. "I slipped the ball back to him on the ground near the edge of the box and he finished the chance with a first-time thunderous shot that nearly ripped the net. Then we all started running and celebrating. We all experienced this instant rush of elation. It was the first national championship for me. That feeling cannot be matched by anything - it is unique."
Elberse continued to play soccer during and immediately after his time at USF — he was a member of the San Francisco Greek-American Soccer Club, a Premier division of the San Francisco Soccer League, from 1979 until 1996. Elberse and his team were league champions for 10 out the 17 years he played. Also, in 1996, 1998, and 2004, Elberse organized and co-managed as a player-coach for the over-30 and over-40 Greek-American Club teams.
Post graduation from USF, Elberse obtained his MBA in 1985. Currently, Elberse is playing for Real Marin Soccer Club — a current major adult soccer contender at all state-wide and national tournament — having played in both the O40 and O50 divisions.
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