Men's Soccer Team Makes History in 2021 Season

The Point University men’s soccer team finished their 2021 campaign in November, and it was a season that will forever stand out in Point’s record books. The Skyhawks made history by being the first team in program history to win the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship and advance to the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship.

Head Coach Mark Wozniak completed his third year at the helm of the program and expressed what an honor it was to be the first team in program history to make it to nationals.

“It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but I am so proud of the guys and the team for being a part of making program history,” Wozniak said.

After a tough conference-opening loss in early September to St. Andrews, the men’s soccer team shocked the Appalachian Athletic Conference by defeating then-ranked No. 9 Milligan University, 2-1.

After defeating the Buffaloes of Milligan, the Skyhawks closed out the month of September dropping two close matches to AAC foe Tennessee Wesleyan (2-1) and in-state rival Reinhardt in overtime (2-1).

In October, Point’s record-breaking season began to truly unfold. Attacker Jeronimo Leguizamon ’24 broke the school record for most goals scored in a game (five) and led the conference with 10 goals at the beginning of the month. He finished the month by breaking the school record for most goals scored in a single season, with 22 goals, and became the first player in soccer history to be named the NAIA Player of the Week. Leguizamon was later named the AAC Player of the Year and earned Golden Boot honors, AAC first-team recognition and All-American honorable mention.

The Skyhawks finished the month 7-2, picking up important wins over top conference contenders Bryan and Union, to help earn the No. 6 seed entering AAC tournament play. The Skyhawks opened tournament play by traveling to No. 3 Reinhardt and defeated the Eagles 1-0 to advance to the semifinal round of tournament play. Midfielder Lorenzo Delvecchio ’22 explained how that victory over Reinhardt was a small piece of the overall team’s goals.

“We focused on preparing and being ready for the single games,” Delvecchio said. “We did not try to plan out to the next game or who our opponent would be the following week, which helped us stay focused and succeed in the small steps.”

Delvecchio finished the season by receiving All-AAC second-team honors.

Attacker Jeronimo Leguizamon ’24 broke the University record for most goals scored in a game. Midfielder Lorenzo Delvecchio ’22, opposite page, also received postseason honors.

Goalkeeper Julio Gomes ’22 added that the energy the team brought from top to bottom was what helped them win the tournament opener.

“The team showed up willing to work until they fell to the floor,” Gomes said. “We scored early against Reinhardt and had to defend a lot, and it took all 11 of us on the field and everyone on the sideline to be willing to give it everything we had. Pushing each other is how we got through the game.”

Gomes went on to be named the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Reinhardt, the first national defensive player of the week in program history.

Following Point’s victory over Reinhardt, the Skyhawks defeated Montreat to advance to the AAC Championship game, where they faced Tennessee Wesleyan. After ending regulation in a tie, the Skyhawks defeated the Bulldogs in penalty kicks, 5-3. With Point’s victory, the Skyhawks advanced to the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship, drawing the No. 4 seed in the Columbia (Missouri) bracket. Despite a tough battle, the Skyhawks fell in the opening round to No. 1 Columbia.

As Wozniak begins to look forward to next season, his goal is for this to be the first of many successful postseason appearances for the men’s soccer program.

“We want to come back and continue to be a team that fights for championships, and that means not being satisfied,” Wozniak said. “We will stay focused, humble, and determined to continue to improve every day to be ready for the fall. Hopefully we can continue to make Point proud and continue to create a reputation among the AAC and the NAIA that Point is here to stay.”