WASHINGTON – The seventh-seeded Georgetown University men’s soccer team defeated the 10th-seeded High Point University Panthers 2-1 in the third round of the NCAA Championship on Saturday evening at Shaw Field in Washington, D.C. With the victory, the Hoyas improve to 14-3-4 overall, while the Panthers finish the season with a record of 14-2-4.
Head Coach Brian Wiese
- “Moving on to the Elite Eight is everything, right? When you start your journey in January, you’re like, ‘can we get this opportunity to play this game and play it on our home field?’ Getting the results to get to the Elite Eight, there’s no better feeling and I couldn’t be prouder of the team. I couldn’t be happier for the seniors to get to experience an Elite Eight game. They truly are one of the crown jewels of college soccer. Playing this game, and playing at home will be one of the best experiences of their life. I’m so happy for them.”
How it Happened
- The Hoyas controlled possession early, and the Blue & Gray got on the board in the 16th minute.
- Senior Zach Zengue took a touch on the left side, and tapped the ball to junior Mateo Ponce Ocampo who sent it across the face to a charging Mitchell Baker. The sophomore striker managed the technical finish to make it 1-0.
- Midway through the half, the Panthers had sustained possession, and sophomore defender Tate Lampman was dominant in the box heading away three-consecutive set pieces.
- HPU would continue to be the more dangerous side, but Georgetown still went into the break leading 1-0.
- The Panthers were threatening for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but against the run of play junior Eric Howard popped it to Zengue at the top of the box. The senior turned and fired to double the score for the Hoyas.
- Georgetown continued to have chances, but with just 97 seconds left in the match Jefferson Amaya had a free kick just outside the box and ripped it off the post and in to pull the Panthers within one.
- The Hoya defense stood strong for the closing seconds and saw out the 2-1 victory to advance to the NCAA quarterfinals.
Of Note
- Georgetown outshot High Point, 13-11, with GU having six on goal to HPU’s four.
- The Hoyas were awarded six corners to the Panthers’ four in the contest.
- Senior goalkeeper Tenzing Manske took the win in the net with three saves for the game.
- This is the sixth time in program history that the squad has advanced to the quarterfinals with the most recent coming in 2021.
Up Next
- With the win, the Hoyas have advanced to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the sixth time in program history.
- The squad will host the winner of 15th-seeded NC State and UNC Greensboro at Shaw Field on Friday, December 5 at 6 p.m.
- The match will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Georgetown alums Dan Helfrich and Tom Greaser calling the action.
