5 Reasons Why The UMW Men's Soccer 2024 Season Was A Historic, Record-Breaking Run
The University of Mary Washington (UMW) Men's Soccer team cemented its status as a national powerhouse in 2024, delivering a campaign that will be remembered as one of the most historic in program history. This season was not just about wins; it was about national dominance, a record-setting unbeaten streak, and a complete sweep of major conference awards, all culminating in a deep run into the NCAA Tournament.
As of December 26, 2025, the Eagles' remarkable 19-2-2 final record and their journey to the NCAA Sweet 16 have set a new standard for future squads. The team's performance, marked by tactical brilliance and individual excellence, has firmly placed UMW Men's Soccer at the forefront of NCAA Division III competition.
The 2024 UMW Men's Soccer Historic Season Snapshot
The 2024 campaign for the Eagles was a masterclass in consistency and high-level performance, establishing numerous program milestones and earning national recognition. Their success was built on a foundation of strong defense and an explosive offense, led by a veteran coaching staff and a talented roster of players.
- Final Record: 19-2-2
- NCAA Tournament Finish: Sweet 16 (Lost 1-0 in OT to Denison)
- National Ranking Peak: No. 1 in NCAA Division III
- Unbeaten Streak: Started the season with a 16-match unbeaten streak
- Conference: Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C)
- C2C Major Awards: Swept Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Coach of the Year
- All-Conference Selections: Nine Eagles earned C2C All-Conference honors
Head Coach Jason Kilby: The Architect of UMW's National Prominence
At the helm of the UMW Men's Soccer program is Head Coach Jason Kilby, who has successfully guided the Eagles back to national prominence over the last decade. Coach Kilby, who is going into his 11th year with the team, earned the prestigious C2C Coach of the Year award in 2024, a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership in navigating the demanding season. His ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture has been the driving force behind the team's sustained success and multiple conference titles.
1. The Unprecedented 16-Match Unbeaten Streak
The foundation of the 2024 season's success was an absolutely blistering start. The Eagles began their campaign with a phenomenal 16-match unbeaten streak, a remarkable feat in the competitive landscape of NCAA Division III soccer. This dominant run included key victories that propelled UMW to the No. 1 national ranking, a major achievement that hadn't been seen in years. The team's ability to consistently perform at a high level for over two months demonstrated their mental toughness and deep roster quality. This streak became a major talking point in college soccer circles and established the Eagles as a legitimate national title contender.
The early-season performances were not just about winning; they were often decisive, showcasing the team's ability to control possession and execute a disciplined defensive strategy. This early success built the confidence needed for their eventual deep tournament run.
2. Sweeping the 2024 C2C Major Awards
In a powerful display of dominance within the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference (C2C), the Mary Washington Eagles men's soccer program swept the league's major individual awards for the 2024 season. This sweep is a rare occurrence and underscores the program's comprehensive strength across the field.
The major award winners included:
- C2C Offensive Player of the Year: Carter Berg
- C2C Defensive Player of the Year: (Named by UMW Athletics)
- C2C Coach of the Year: Jason Kilby
Carter Berg's recognition as Offensive Player of the Year highlights his pivotal role in the Eagles' attack, providing the crucial goals and assists that powered the team's 19 wins. Furthermore, the Defensive Player of the Year award speaks volumes about the team's backline, which was instrumental in securing 16 unbeaten matches to start the year.
3. Deep Run to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
The ultimate test of the Eagles' historic season came in the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament. After earning a high seed, the team successfully navigated the first two rounds, showcasing their ability to perform under high-pressure, single-elimination conditions. Their journey culminated in a thrilling match in the Sweet 16 against Denison.
The Sweet 16 match was a hard-fought battle that ultimately ended in a heartbreaking 1-0 overtime loss, bringing their incredible 2024 season to a close. Despite the defeat, reaching the Sweet 16 is a significant accomplishment and is considered a historic high point for the program, proving they can compete with the absolute best teams in the nation. This level of tournament success is a major recruiting tool and a source of pride for the entire University of Mary Washington community.
4. Nine Eagles Earned All-Conference Honors
The depth of talent on the 2024 roster was clearly reflected in the All-Conference selections, where a remarkable nine Eagles were recognized with C2C All-Conference honors. This large number of honorees demonstrates that the team's success was a collective effort, not reliant on just one or two stars.
Key All-Conference Honorees included:
- Carter Berg: C2C Offensive Player of the Year.
- Jordy Santana: Senior midfielder who picked up C2C First Team honors.
- Juan Vargas: Senior midfielder who contributed an assist in the NCAA Tournament.
- Freddy Rogers, Sammy Amorose, Elliot Berg, Matias Bonarriva, Michael Lenhard, Aidan Shell: Other key players listed on the deep 2024 roster who contributed significantly to the team's overall success.
The recognition for players like Jordy Santana on the First Team highlights the consistent, high-level play of the team's veteran core. This balance of individual brilliance and team cohesion is what allowed UMW to maintain its top national ranking for much of the season.
5. Setting the Stage for Future C2C Dominance
The 2024 season was not an anomaly; it was the continuation of a successful trend. The Eagles were predicted to win their fourth consecutive C2C title heading into the 2024 season, a testament to the program's established dominance in the conference. While the Sweet 16 finish was the capstone, the consistent winning culture built by Coach Kilby ensures that the UMW Men's Soccer team will remain a favorite in the C2C and a perennial threat on the national stage.
The team plays its home matches on the Championship Soccer Field, which was named after the founding coach, Roy Gordon, a nod to the program's rich history of success that the current squad is now expanding upon. The blend of history, a championship-level coaching staff, and a pipeline of high-caliber players suggests that the 2025 season and beyond will see the Eagles continuing their pursuit of a national championship.
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