Wisconsin Soccer Central

Taylor Diem (Middleton) and Eccleshill United are finishing a successful season in the Northern Counties East First Division – they're 21-9-9, good for 72 points and seventh place in the 22-team league in England's 10th Division with three matches left.

That's a big improvement for a club that finished 14th last season. But Eccleshill United has really excelled in cup competitions.

They already have one piece of silverware, having stunned Harrogate Town 1-0 to win the West Riding County FA Cup last Wednesday at Valley Parade in Bradford.

The 24-year-old Diem is playing with Eccleshill United through the club's connection with the Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy. He is pursuing a master's degree at Leeds Metropolitan University while playing with the Eagles.

Diem, who started his college career at NCAA Division I Hofstra and finished it at Division II Regis (Colo.), has been a starting center back for Eccleshill United this season, but didn't feature in the County Cup final.

A 90th-minute penalty kick provided the lone goal in the upset win over Harrogate Town, which is a top-10 team in the Conference North – four divisions higher than the NCEL First Division. The title gave the West Yorkshire club just its third trophy in its 66-year history.

Eccleshill United, which is 10-1 in cup matches this season, also is alive in the NCEL League Cup, with a semifinal against Premier Division side Heanor Town next Tuesday.

Malcolm Calbert (Stoughton), who played at Division III Loras (Iowa) and alongside Diem with the old Middleton-Yahara SC, also is part the RIASA program. He's been a regular for the Eccleshill United Reserves and has made several first-team appearances.

On Twitter: @TaylorDiem | Diem's blog