UNCG Men's Soccer Secures No. 23 National Ranking—Strong Start!
UNC Greensboro men's soccer team ranks No. 23 nationally, starting the season strong with key player performances and upcoming matches.
UNCG Men's Soccer Secures No. 23 National Ranking—Strong Start!
The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men’s soccer team has kicked off their season with a bang, earning a spot in the United Soccer Coaches National Poll at No. 23. This ranking marks the first national recognition for the Spartans since they finished last season ranked No. 18. Their strong performance has also secured them the same No. 23 position in the TopDrawerSoccer National Poll for the second consecutive week, showcasing their solid start to the 2025 season. UNC Greensboro Spartans reports that the team begins the season with a 2-0 record, scoring a total of nine goals in just two matches.
Against Radford, the Spartans came out strong, earning a commanding 6-2 victory. Enzo Dovlo and Julien Le Bourdoulous each netted two goals, while Arnaud Tattevin and Trym Linberg added one apiece. In the following match, Dovlo continued his scoring spree with a hat-trick, leading UNCG to a thrilling 3-2 win over VCU. The Spartans are currently ranked highly in various statistical categories, holding the fourth position nationally in total goals, sixth in scoring offense, and eighth in points per game. With a robust offensive lineup, they are poised for an exciting season ahead.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Spartans have crucial matches lined up. They will face the South Florida Bulls in St. Petersburg, Florida, on Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m., followed by a meeting with the UCF Knights in Orlando on Sunday, August 31, at 7:00 p.m. These matches are significant as the team aims to build on their early success and maintain their spot among the top teams in the nation.
Recognizing Talent
Beyond their impressive start to the season, UNCG has also garnered individual accolades. Senior midfielders Yoshiya Okawa and Jack Birch were recently recognized for their outstanding performances in the 2024 season, earning spots on the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men’s All-South Region Team. Greensboro Sports reports that Okawa was named to the second team while Birch received third-team honors. This marks a significant milestone for both players, as it is their first All-Region honor.
Okawa, hailing from Tokyo, Japan, led the Southern Conference (SoCon) with eight goals and 20 points last season, also earning the title of SoCon Player of the Year. He gave his all while starting 13 of 16 games. Birch, from Birmingham, England, was pivotal for the Spartans as well, contributing two goals and two assists while playing a significant role in all matches. Both players reflect the grit and skill that defines UNCG soccer as they continue to lead the charge this season.
With the season progressing and talent shining through, the Spartans are clearly making waves both in the rankings and on the field. Fans will be watching closely as they look to capitalize on their early momentum and strive for even greater achievements.