Soccer Team Earns First Men’s Title Win in WPU History

November 3, 2021

RALEIGH, N.C. — William Peace University men’s soccer has earned a title win — a first for the men’s program in school history.

The team is set to compete in the semifinals of the USA South Conference Tournament. The WPU Pacers defeated the Huntingdon Hawks in the First Round of the Tournament 3-1 after a record-breaking year, which saw them claim the USA South East Division Regular Season Title. 

The team is currently 12-1-1 overall and will host the semifinals and final of the USA South Conference Tournament at WakeMed Soccer Park. Their semifinal game against the Covenant Scots is scheduled for 12 p.m. Nov. 5 on field two. The semifinal between the Averett Cougars and the N.C. Wesleyan Battling Bishops is at 1 p.m. on field four. The championship game will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6.

Follow the tournament latest on WPU Athletics.

Season Stats

The Pacers ended the regular season with 9 conference awards for Jacob Smith, Rush Campbell, Jorge Lemus, TJ Hurd, Jose Aguirre, Archie Filliter, Ivan Ponce, Danny Alvarez, and Sammy Suazo, and a Goalkeeper of the Year award for Jacob Smith. Smith led the conference with a .850 winning percentage, posting a 1.14 GAA and 3 shutouts. This was the first time in the program that a goalkeeper has received that award.

Ivan Ponce led the team with 12 goals, surpassing 30 career goals to hold the program record for most career goals. Jorge Lemus led the conference with 7 goals, 16 points, and 3 game-winning goals in conference play, also recording 3 goals outside of conference play and 4 total assists. The Pacers currently lead the conference with 52 goals, averaging 3.71 per game while also only allowing 14 goals for a 0.98 per game average.

The Covenant Scots are 10-3-3 overall as they finished 4-0-2 in the conference. Mercer Stout led the team with 8 goals and 8 assists, while goalkeeper Henry Hooks posted a .750 save percentage and a 0.98 GAA.

Tournament Schedule – WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary

  • Friday, November 5 – 12 p.m. – William Peace University vs. Covenant College
  • Friday, November 5 – 1  p.m. – N.C. Wesleyan College vs. Averett University
  • Saturday, November 6 – 6 p.m. – Championship