The Albuquerque Geckos demonstrated why they’ve believed that they were the best team in the D3 Pro League all season by burying the Charlotte Eagles 4-1 to take the USISL’s Division III national title. With the win, the Geckos are eligible to be promoted to the A-League, provided they meet certain criteria. The Geckos (17-3) got a goal and an assist from star Luis Labastida in the final. Former Dartmouth standout Methembe Ndlovu was named tournament MVP. The Geckos struck first in the 13th minute when Kansas City Wizards draft pick Jake Joy scored off a free kick after Charlotte goalie Neal Andrews picked up a backpass from a teammate. The Eagles equalized less than a minute later on a goal from Clemson product Jon Payne. Justin Heald gave the Geckos the lead for good with a minute left in the first half when he scored off a Labastida corner kick. Steve Riddle and Labastida added goals in the second half. The San Francisco Bay Seals beat the New Hampshire Phantoms 1-0 on a goal from Reinhard Geise to take third place. The two-day event drew 3,358 fans at the University of New Mexico Soccer Stadium.