High Point Men’s Soccer: From Overlooked to National Contenders

For years, High Point University men’s soccer quietly built one of the most consistent programs in the Southeast. But now? The secret is out. The Panthers aren’t just Big South favorites anymore—they’ve become a true national threat, stacking up NCAA Tournament appearances, knocking off top-ranked programs, and climbing into the top 10 of the national polls. HPU was just ranked as the #7 team in the nation, the highest in program and Big South history. 

Building the Foundation

When Zach Haines was hired in 2019, he promised to elevate High Point’s ceiling. Six seasons later, it’s safe to say he’s delivered—and then some. HPU has racked up regular season and conference tournament titles, NCAA Tournament berths in 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023, and historic postseason wins. None bigger than 2022, when the Panthers went into Chapel Hill and stunned North Carolina 2–0, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Just last season, High Point shook up the national landscape again, this time by taking down the #1 team in the country, Pitt. On a historic night in the Steel City, the Panthers scored in the 22nd minute and the defense held firm, delivering both the school’s and the Big South’s first-ever victory over a #1 nationally ranked team in any sport.

After a tough loss in the Big South Championship, HPU was snubbed of an at-large bid into the big dance. This fall they’re showcasing why that was a big mistake by the committee.

A 2025 Season Fueled by Momentum

Despite the two losses to Gardner-Webb last year, including in that title match, the Panthers were picked to win the Big South again, with stars like Daniel Lugo, Jefferson Amaya, and Brendan Krueger earning preseason national recognition. They opened the year with a statement win in front of a packed Vert Stadium crowd on move-in weekend, dispatching Liberty.

Just days later, Lugo’s brace powered HPU past nationally ranked Georgetown—one of the most impressive non-conference wins in program history. From there, the Panthers have stayed on the national radar, appearing in the TopDrawerSoccer and United Soccer Coaches polls week after week.

Battling the Nation’s Best

Nine games into the season, High Point remains unbeaten—and it hasn’t come easy. Earlier this month, Panther faithful watched their team draw with No. 10 Marshall after a clutch equalizer from Mo Guettel. Then came another heavyweight showdown with West Virginia, where HPU stood tall for a second straight top-10 draw in Morgantown.

Those results turned heads nationally. By late September, High Point cracked the top 10 in the United Soccer Coaches poll for the first time in program history. The Panthers kept momentum rolling in conference play, cruising past Longwood with a commanding shutout to set the tone for Big South dominance.

Recruiting the Future

What separates High Point from many mid-major programs is the consistency of its recruiting. The Panthers have now pulled in six straight nationally-ranked recruiting classes, landing some of the top prep and academy talent in the country. From MLS NEXT standouts to U.S. youth national team pool players, HPU has built a pipeline of future stars choosing to play in purple and white.

Commitments like high-upside striker Lugo, versatile midfielder Chris Niblock, and the Behrmann brothers showcase how the program is not just reloading but upgrading every year. National outlets have noticed too, spotlighting High Point’s ability to attract recruits who once leaned toward ACC or Big Ten programs.

That steady stream of talent has allowed the Panthers to sustain success without drop-offs—and explains why every August the program enters the season not just as Big South favorites, but as a team that can punch with the nation’s best.

The Bigger Picture

What makes this run even sweeter is how it builds off the foundation of the last few years. This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan program; it’s a steady climb. From the historic 2–0 NCAA Tournament win at UNC, to toppling #1 Pitt, to standing toe-to-toe with national powerhouses like Marshall and West Virginia, High Point has proven it belongs among the elite.

Vert Stadium is becoming one of the most intimidating atmospheres in college soccer—a place where Top-25 teams come in and leave frustrated. And with Haines at the helm, a roster packed with talent, and elite recruiting classes waiting in the wings, the Panthers are no longer content with just conference titles. They’ve got their eyes set on something bigger.

Conclusion

Being in the heart of a soccer-rich state while also recruiting nationally and internationally to world-class facilities, High Point’s soccer program has always had potential. But now, potential has turned into proof. Wins, rankings, tournament runs, and recruiting classes—they’re all stacking up. And as this 2025 season unfolds, one thing is clear: the Panthers are here to stay, and the rest of college soccer better take notice.