HIGH POINT, N.C. - Just three years removed from his time playing with High Point University men's soccer, former Panther Renato Punyed found himself making his international debut with the Nicaragua National Team in a friendly with fellow CONCACAF member Guatemala this past February.

"On behalf of the HPU soccer family, we offer our congratulations to Renato on this fantastic achievement," said Head Panthers Coach Zach Haines. "He continues to represent the program in extraordinary fashion, and we are extremely proud to be able to call him one of our own. He is one of many Panthers in the professional ranks currently, and we hope to continue to produce players such as Renato that are equipped to go on and achieve further success in their careers after their time at HPU."

The High Point alum got the call up to the senior squad just a week ago, in the midst of his pro-club's 2019 season, as Nicaragua completed its final friendly of the spring against Bolivia, this past Sunday. 

"When I first found out the news that I would be going to Nicaragua with the senior squad I was of course very excited," said Punyed. "...We played against Guatemala and I played 90 minutes with a shot that unfortunately hit the post and went out. I felt I definitely did a good job, which was a big influence for the call up to go now to Bolivia, and play against Bolivia's senior squad. I'm very excited for this opportunity."

Nicaragua's friendly in Bolivia was its last exhibition test before competing in its fourth and final match of CONCACAF Nations League qualifying against Barbados. Winning their first two qualifiers against Saint Vincent's and the Grenadines and Anguilla by a goal differential of plus-eight, the Nicaraguan side took a 2-0 loss to Haiti this past November, as the team sits within striking distance of clinching a Gold Cup appearance in June.

"The goal with the national team is to always maintain a high level every time I play," said Punyed. "Personally I would really like to play versus Barbados. It is a game that if we win we can qualify for the Gold Cup and that is big for the country. Playing in the Gold Cup would be a very big step and big opportunity in my professional career."

With the top-10 teams in the tournament qualifying for the 2019 Gold Cup, Nicaragua currently sits in a nine-way tie for seventh, ranked 11th on their current goal differential. Nicaragua is one of only three teams within that tie, finishing their qualifying round against a squad that has been knocked out of a potential Gold Cup spot, with a win against Barbados all but guaranteeing the side a match in the CONCACAF tournament later this year.

A regular starter all four of his years with HPU, Punyed became the 11th Panther in the program's Division I era to sign a pro contract out of college, putting pen to paper with professional club IBV Vestmannaeyjar of the Pepsideild league in 2016. The former Panther made a single appearance at the top flight of Icelandic football before going on loan to IR Reykjavik, where he scored a single goal over five appearances. Punyed made the move to Norway after his two years in the Iceland system recently, where he currently plays for Nybergsund IL of the 3. divisjon.

Professional football success seems to run in the family for Punyed, who admits that his decision to play in northern Europe was steered by his brother Pablo's decision to play in Iceland. "Having my brother make his professional debut in Iceland definitely had a big influence on my decision of going there and also making my debut," says Punyed. "My brother is a big role model in my football life, and has helped me tremendously in all aspects." A former St. John's midfielder, Pablo Punyed signed with Icelandic second tier squad Fjolnir after his career with the Red Storm, and currently plays for top flight KR Reykjavik of the Pepsideild. 

Between training with the Nicaraguan senior squad and his pro career in Norway, the last few months have been more than busy for Punyed, but the former Panther midfield contends that he always keeps up with successes of his alma mater, no matter where he might be playing.

"I am always keeping myself updated with any news from High Point University, especially the soccer program," said Punyed. "I have some close friends, like Jonathan Bolaños, still playing, and that helps me to be a lot more involved. I am extremely happy and proud for what the soccer program has achieved."

A two-time Big South All-Conference selection and 2014 NCSSIA All-State honoree, Punyed was a heavy contributor to a program that won 37 games during his time at High Point. Despite his success at the pro level, and now the international level, Punyed reflects on his time with the Panthers and how it helped shape him into the football player he is today.

"I actually think of that question a lot, on how the decision of playing at HPU influenced my professional career," said Punyed. "I believe that I needed growth, mentally and physically, and that is something that High Point helped me with a lot. [Former Head Coach] EJ [O'Keeffe] and the staff were a big help for me in the process, helping me learn how to balance school and soccer. The hardest part was having to put as much effort in the school as in the field. That is something I will always cherish, it has helped big time in my professional career thus far."

#GoHPU