GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer program exploded in an ecstatic wave of humanity following a thrilling, 1-0, victory over Belmont in the Southern Conference tournament championship contest at the UNCG Soccer Stadium Saturday night.
The difference in the evenly played match was a pretty goal scored by sophomore midfielder Mani Austmann in the 80th minute. His sixth goal of the season earned him the SoCon Tournament's Most Outstanding Player honor.
"I think it was a long ball that our defensive third cleared and Theo (Collomb) made a play," Austmann said as he described the decisive play. "I ended up being one on one with my defender. I cut to my right foot and then my left foot and put it into the net.
"We've been working all season and semester for this moment. It's a great group of guys and I couldn't be any prouder of them. This is the payoff. I mean, I get the most outstanding plaque, but I couldn't do it without (my teammates). This moment is amazing."
Joining Austmann on the All-Tournament team from UNCG were senior midfielder Nelson Oceano, freshman goalie Niclas Wild, and sophomore midfielder Angel Bacho. Jarrett Payne earned the Pinnacle Award, given to the student-athlete on the winning team with the highest grade point average.
"I am so happy for the guys," UNCG head coach Chris Rich said. "It was just an incredible moment. Mani is a good player. It was a great individual moment, and he created the shot off of that. He did an unbelievable job with the finish and that's what top players do. I am so happy for him because he deserved that. He creates so many moments for us, so I am happy to see him execute and score the game-winner for us."
Once the final horn sounded at 7:58 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Rich embraced his staff in a big bear hug on the sidelines as they were being doused with water by jubilant players. Team members rushed the field in celebration and dog-piled a few feet from their bench, letting loose all the joy of a goal accomplished.
Following the team photo in front of scoreboard, many players posed with the SoCon trophy for an individual picture.
There's a saying that today's moment is tomorrow's memory. While that may be true, there are some moments that last a lifetime. This is one of them.
Everybody associated with the UNCG men's soccer program and who were in attendance or who watched will remember this championship forever.
"Since the beginning of the season this was our objective and we finally did it," freshman midfielder
Theo Collomb said. "That's huge. It's unbelievable. What an exciting goal by Mani and an exciting moment. The first game (on March 27, a 3-2 UNCG overtime win) was a hard game against a good Belmont team that's one of the best teams. This game we knew they would have more energy and we were ready to have a gritty performance."
It was the Spartans' first SoCon tournament title under Rich. With the victory, UNCG earns the Southern Conference's automatic bid to the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Selections and pairings will be announced Monday at noon on ncaa.com.
"This is emotional," Rich said. "I am grateful for the work our administration did to allow us to compete this year. It was awesome. It was not easy. It was chaotic and there were a lot of difficult moments throughout the year, but you know we had an administration that was committed to having us play and we're super thankful."
Wild didn't make any saves, but it didn't mean he had an easy night. There were a few moments of angst late in the game as the Bruins tried for the equalizer. They came close a couple of times, but shots were high and over the goal. Belmont finished with nine shots while UNCG had 15.
Thanks to a determined and focused team performance, the 2021 UNCG men's soccer team added to the wonderful legacy of the program which has won five national championships, produced numerous professional players, and been a perennial SoCon power.
Rich and his staff that features Scott Wells, Jaime Ibarra, and Brian White have deepened the footsteps of those that laid the foundation of excellence.
UNCG will enter the NCAA tournament with a six-match unbeaten streak in which its outscored opponents, 11-3.
"This moment is incredible and it's why we do what we do," Rich said. "This place has such a rich tradition of winning and competing in NCAA Tournaments. I know there are so many alumni right now that are smiling and happy. Our administration deserves this, our alumni deserve this, and our guys deserve it.
"Belmont is a good team and coach Dave Costa does a great job so playing them two times was tough for sure. It's a great feeling to win your conference and go to the NCAA Tournament."
