Four teams with Atlanta United players in their starting 11 advanced to the NCAA Men’s Soccer College Cup third round.
It has been a busy week since we previewed the 2024 NCAA Men’s Soccer College Cup. Of the 48 teams that began the tournament just a few days ago, we are now down to 16 with a quarter of those teams featuring at least one Atlanta United Academy graduate in their starting-11.
Luckily for Atlanta United fans, some of our most exciting prospects are still in the tournament with several competing for their last chance at a college championship and the opportunity to play professional soccer this Spring.
Third Round
Third Round action kicks off Saturday with a lineup of can’t-miss matches.
11/30: UVA vs UMass, 5:00 PM
Daniel Mangarov, Brendan Lambe, and Grant Howard started for UVA in a tough 2-1 battle against West Virginia. Mangarov and Lambe earned assists for UVA’s match-winning goal.
Next, they face a tough University of Massachusetts team that shut out #6 ranked Penn and only allowed one goal against Evansville.
11/30: Dayton vs SMU, 7:00 PM
Geni Kanyane continued his strong run of form at left-back for Dayton against Michigan. Assisting from the corner flag on one of Dayton’s two goals, Kanyane was active in the attack while completely stifling Michigan’s attempts at building anything up the right flank.
He has quietly become a top-10 left-back in this year’s SuperDraft class. Next, Dayton looks to continue their phenomenal season against an excellent Southern Methodist University team that has had a fantastic first season in the ACC.
12/1: Stanford @ Ohio State, 5:00 PM
Will Reilly was an absolute beast for Stanford against UC Santa Barbara in a match that felt like the soccer gods had fated it to go to the underdogs. Reilly assisted both goals off of corner kicks in the first half and led off Stanford in penalty kicks to help earn the win.
Several times in the waning minutes of the match, he stepped up to claim the ball and drive his team forward. He looks every part like the senior captain. Reilly’s next challenge may be the toughest opponent he has ever faced in college soccer, top-ranked Ohio State.
12/1: Clemson vs Wake Forest, 6:00 PM
Remi Okunlola continued his fantastic Sophomore campaign against Providence, showing his versatility on the right flank as a wide forward, wide midfielder, and wingback, depending on what his team needed. After losing to Wake Forest in penalty kicks in the ACC Championship just over a week ago, Okunlola and Clemson have a chance at sweet revenge against their old ACC rivals.
All matches are streamed live on ESPN+ and Hulu.