We've reached the business end of the 2019 NCAA Men's Soccer season, and plenty of League Two alums have led their teams to postseason appearances on the back of some impressive performances. With the Division I tournament now down to its final 16 teams, see who stood out over the course of the first two rounds.
With just three minutes remaining before a penalty shootout between SMU and Coastal Carolina, former OKC Energy U23 standout Garret McLaughlin stepped up in the big moment. The forward was the first to react to a rebound from his teammate’s shot, pouncing on the ball and sending it past the keeper to earn the Mustangs a spot in the last 16.
GARRETT MCLAUGHLIN GAMEWINNER!
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 25, 2019
The golden goal gives No. 8 SMU the 1-0 win over Coastal Carolina as well as a spot in the Round of 16.#NCAASoccer | @smusoccerm pic.twitter.com/kLgg6IM6rD
Wake Forest rolled over defending champions Maryland, and it was NC Fusion U23 star Bruno Lapa who got them off to a hot start with a goal in the 26th minute. Another former Fusion player Joey Dezart provided the assist as the Demon Deacons went on to claim a dominant 3-0 win.
WHAT A GOAL BY WAKE FOREST!
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 24, 2019
It also marks the first goal Maryland has allowed in the NCAA Tournament since 2016.#NCAASoccer | @WakeMSoccer pic.twitter.com/YGrAAUNqKN
Wright State’s win over Notre Dame was the first NCAA tournament win in the school’s history, and reigning League Two MVP Deri Corfe played a major role in the result. The English forward scored what may be the best goal of the tournament so far, slaloming past multiple defenders before firing a curling shot from the top left side of the penalty area that swerved past the keeper but inside the far post.
WHAT A BEAUT’
— Wright State Men's Soccer (@WSU_Mens_Soccer) November 22, 2019
Deri Corfe with ice in his veins#SCtop10 | #RaiderUp | #NCAASoccer | #HLMSOC pic.twitter.com/EtN4f9fUB9
In what was undoubtedly one of the most impressive goalkeeping performances in NCAA tournament history, former San Francisco City keeper Andrew Thomas saved four of Seattle’s five penalty attempts to ensure his side avoided an upset and moved on to the last 16. Another SF City FC product Tanner Beason scored the Cardinal’s lone goal of regulation and overtime.
ICE. IN. HIS. VEINS.
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 25, 2019
Andrew Thomas makes FOUR PK saves to send No. 7 Stanford to the Round of 16!#NCAASoccer | @stanfordmsoccer pic.twitter.com/uUquygMHWB
Former Boston Bolts player Trevor Davock was the man for the big moment in Providence’s Round of 32 overtime win. The Friars trailed Penn State 2-0 in the second half, but scored three unanswered goals to grab the win, including an equalizer right at the end of regulation and the winner from Davock ten minutes into the overtime period.
After trailing by two in the second half @PCFriarsMSoccer score three straight including a golden goal to advance to the third round of the NCAA Tournamentpic.twitter.com/nsgb7rgWzH
— Providence Friars (@PCAthletics) November 25, 2019
Former Long Island Rough Riders defender Dylan Nealis was dominant for Georgetown in the team's 5-0 rout of Pittsburgh, not only helping keep a clean sheet but scoring a brace as well to lead the team offensively.
GEORGETOWN TAKES A -GOAL LEAD
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 24, 2019
The Hoyas' Dylan Nealis gets the goal to go!#NCAASoccer | @GUHoyasMSoccer pic.twitter.com/h8lUhCgZkh