Concord University Men's Soccer Qualifies for NCAA Division 2 Tournament

Concord University Men’s Soccer has officially secured a spot in the NCAA Division 2 Tournament for only the second time in the program’s history.

The Mountain Lions, despite facing an early exit in the Mountain East Conference Tournament, earned a 5 seed in Super Region 1 following a commanding 12-4-2 season.

This return to the national stage comes just two years after the program’s inaugural NCAA tournament appearance in 2024, where the team secured their first-ever tournament win. The selection committee recognized the team’s consistent performance throughout the year, a season including individual honors such as MEC Defensive Player of the Year for Zakari Messam.

The path forward requires the Mountain Lions to travel to Pennsylvania for their opening regional match. They are scheduled to play at Gannon University on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at noon.

Saint leo fl the concord mountain lions pose for a during the division ii mens and

The road to a 5 seed was not without its challenges. While the team’s conference tournament run ended sooner than many observers anticipated, their regular-season resume—built on a foundation of defensive discipline—was sufficient to place them among the 47 teams competing for the national title. For the players, the tournament bid serves as validation for a rigorous training cycle.

“To be in the national tournament amongst 47 other top teams and to be amongst that – one of the top programs in the country – it’s always an honor and a pleasure and we’re immensely grateful.”

said Messam regarding the team’s postseason selection. The defensive stability provided by players like Messam has been a defining characteristic of the Mountain Lions’ 2026 campaign, allowing them to remain competitive even in high-pressure matchups.

2026 NCAA DII men's soccer championship selection show

The regional opener against Gannon represents a test of the program’s growth since their 2024 debut.

The Mountain Lions enter the tournament as a 5 seed in Super Region 1. The upcoming match requires the squad to manage the logistical demands of travel while maintaining the tactical intensity that defined their 12-win season. For the student-athletes involved, the game serves as the primary focus, with the pressure of representing the university on a national stage serving as the backdrop for their preparations.

Concord University Men's Soccer Qualifies for NCAA Division 2 Tournament

The program’s history in this tournament remains brief but impactful. With one win already in the record books from their 2024 appearance, the team aims to add to that tally in Pennsylvania. The match on November 15 will determine whether the Mountain Lions can extend their season deeper into the bracket.