The 1999 Greensboro College soccer team had big shoes to fill. The ’98 club made it all the way to the NCAA Division III championship game. 

Despite losing two All-Americans and five starters from last year’s team, Coach Darren Powell didn’t lower the bar for the ’99 season.

“We’ve set a high standard at Greensboro College,” said Powell. “We’ll continue to play a tough schedule and expect to make the NCAA tournament each year.”

When the season started, GC was ranked number two in the nation. The Pride played well early in the year, but lost to Salisbury State and The College of New Jersey in September. Greensboro dropped out of the national rankings, but not for long...GC then went on an eight game unbeaten streak. 

Despite to being the Goliath of the Dixie Conference--and the hunted team in each match--The Pride was also able to go undefeated in the DIAC for the third straight season.

Greensboro was led in ’99 by Carlton Mack. The senior co captain scored 10 goals and had six assists. Mack recorded a remarkable 65 shots during the ’99 campaign. He ended his career at Greensboro College with 74 points: good enough to be third on the all-time scoring list.

“Carlton carried us on his back during some games this year,” said Powell. “He was also a great leader off the field; he’s the kind of player we want to attract to GC.”

Mack earned DIAC MVP honors with his big season. Freshman Forward Duncan Edwards carted off the Rookie-of-the-Year trophy. Sweeper Glenn Collins—who Powell identified as GC’s most consistent player—and Greensboro-born Brandon Overby, also earned first-team All-Dixie Conference honors.

 Second team recognition went to Steve Larsen, goalie; Jeremy Harford, defense; Henderson Hicks, midfield; and defenseman Jon Knaus.

Greensboro hosted Centre, KY, in the first round of the playoffs. The Pride handled the Colonels, 3-1. GC then beat playoff rival Virginia Wesleyan, 1-0, on its home field. That victory earned the green and white a rematch with Salisbury State in the South Region Final.

The Pride out shot and outplayed the Sea Gulls in the first half. GC’s best scoring 
chance occurred when  Mack failed  to convert a penalty kick late in the first half. SSU recorded two goals on quick counterattacks in the second half, and ended GC’s run.

“We found it hard to score goals all year. After 3 games in 5 days, the boys looked fatigued, especially in front of the goal,” said Powell. “We could’ve won the game, but that’s soccer.” 

Finally, more accolades came the way of the GC men’s soccer team earlier this month. Five student athletes—the most  in Greensboro men’s soccer  history—earned All-South  recognition. Mack, Collins,  Larsen and Hicks were named to the Region first team. Overby was named to the South’s second team. 

Yet Henderson Hicks received the highest honor: he was named third team All-American.