BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Brooklyn Italians moved closer to clinching a National Premier Soccer League playoff spot by recording a 3-0 victory over the New York Athletic Club at LIU Athletic Complex Wednesday night.
The Italians (5-2-1, 16 points) moved into second place in the North Atlantic Conference just ahead of Hartford City FC (5-2-1, 16) on better goal differential (plus 10 to plus six). NYAC (3-3-2, 11) is still in the running for a postseason place.
Clement Bourret connected for a hat-trick during a 25-minute span on either side of the interval, scoring in the 40th, 48th and 65th minutes.
Brooklyn can qualify for the playoffs — four teams make it from the conference — with a road win over Greater Lowell NPSL FC Saturday night.