The High Point University men's soccer team will play #8 Georgetown in the Second Round of the 2020 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament the selection committee announced Monday afternoon (April 19.) HPU was selected to bypass the first round and was paired up with the Hoyas in a second-round matchup, this is the second NCAA tournament appearance for High Point. The entirety of the 2020 NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament will be held in the state of North Carolina, the Panthers' second-round matchup will be held in a venue familiar to HPU's senior captain Mason Marcey who is a Charlotte native.
Panthers Path to the NCAA Tournament
High Point men's soccer won their first Big South Tournament Championship in program history, defeating USC Upstate, 3-1. The Panthers won the Big South Regular Season and Tournament to capture their first-ever Big South double. High Point will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament making its second NCAA Tournament appearance. High Point was undefeated at home this season. Nick Phipps, Mason Marcey, Lalas Ayertey, and MD Myers were selected to the Big South All-Tournament Team. Phipps was also awarded MVP honors.
Panthers in the Polls
After winning the Big South title the Panthers are headed to the NCAA Tournament and the polls reflect and rewarded this outstanding achievement this week. High Point is #14 in the Top-Drawer Soccer National Media Poll, 21st in the College Soccer News poll, and 22nd in the NCAA recognized United Soccer Coaches Poll. HPU is 15th in the NCAA RPI this week as well however the RPI was not taken into consideration for tournament selection for the 2020-21 season.
High Point Nationally Impactful
High Point enters the tournament boasting the number one scoring offense in the country averaging 2.92 goals per game. HPU is tied for the most goals scored in the nation this season with Pitt, both teams of Panthers have scored 38 goals this season. HPU leads the nation in goal differential with a difference of 31 goals this season. The Panthers have shared the ball well this season as they are fourth in the nation in assists with 3.08 assists per game. High Point is eighth in goals-against average having only allowed seven goals this season. The Panthers GAA is an outstanding .538.
Mason on the SportsPlex at Matthews
"I have played a lot of club games with Charlotte Soccer Academy at the Sportsplex in Matthews and then I trained with the Charlotte Independence, the USL team, and they were at the Sportsplex as well. It's a great complex, I am excited to be able to go back home and play there. I'm sure my family and friends will all be out there so it will be a great opportunity."
Haines on the Matchup
Panthers Media Availability
#ComeOnYouPanthers x #GoHPU
