The 1998 Greensboro College men’s soccer team recorded one of the most memorable runs in school history. The Pride posted a 19-4 record, took home the Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, and advanced to the NCAA National Championship game.
Greensboro hauled in multiple individual postseason awards including two All-Americans, four All-Region selections and eight All-Conference honorees. In addition, Richard Ronemus was recognized as the Dixie Conference Player of the Year while head coach Darren Powell was named Dixie Conference and All-Region Coach of the Year.
The team left a lasting marking on the school record book as well, setting eight program records. Among the records set were points in a season with 204, goals with 73, shots on goal with 484, wins with 19 and games played with 23.
The Pride kicked off the season on an eight game winning streak before dropping three of their next four games. Greensboro would not lose again until the National Championship match, however, reeling off ten straight victories. The Pride scored multiple goals in 20 of their 23 games and outscored opponents by two goals per game.
Greensboro clinched the Dixie Conference crown with an impressive 9-0 win over Methodist on November 6. Six players found the back of the net, led by Carlton Mack’s three goals.
Greensboro flexed its muscles in the national tournament, shutting out three opponents en route to the title match. The Pride opened the tournament with a 3-0 home victory against Virginia Wesleyan on November 14. Brandon Overby netted two goals in the win.
Greensboro continued its dominance in the second round with a 4-0 win over Eastern Mennonite on Pride Field. Richard Ronemus was the hero in this one, tallying two goals and an assist.
Macalester presented The Pride with a stiff challenge in the NCAA quarterfinals. Jabari Richardson tied the game for Greensboro at 1-1 in the 72nd minute on an assist from Ryan Nelsen and Jonathan Kraus. The match went three overtimes before an unassisted goal by Richard Ronemus in the 121st minute earned The Pride a spot in the NCAA Final Four.
Greensboro would advance to the title match with a hard fought 1-0 win over Rowan in the semifinals. All-American Richard Ronemus continued his stellar play with an assist to fellow All-American Ryan Nelson for the decisive goal in the 48th minute.
The championship game was a classic overtime thriller against Ohio Wesleyan. Wesleyan struck first in the 13th minute before a late goal by Carlton Mack in the 82nd minute pushed the game into overtime. Unfortunately, The Pride’s dream season came to an end two minutes into the extra frame as Ohio Wesleyan scored to take home a 2-1 victory and the National Championship.
Despite the loss, the 1998 Greensboro College men’s soccer team will forever go down as one of the greatest in school history.
