A SOUTH Lakes footballer's quest to be crowned a champion of the USA college scene ended in heartbreak.

Holding midfielder Phil Towler, from Allithwaite, near Grange-over-Sands, had already made history by helping his Providence College team progress into the final stages of the National College Cup (NCAA Championship).

The 22-year-old lined up against UCLA in the semi-final on Friday evening at the MLS Stadium in North Carolina but after the game finished 2-2 at full-time, a deflected effort with four minutes left on the clock in Golden Goal sealed a victory for UCLA.

Despite the defeat Towler was selected in the 'All American' third eleven which means he is one of the top 35 College players in the USA this year.