Central Penn Men’s Soccer Cracks USCAA National Rankings
The Central Penn College men’s soccer team has started the 2025 season in stellar fashion, compiling an impressive 4-1-1 record and earning the No. 2 spot in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division II rankings. Led by first-year Head Coach Hartman, the Knights have showcased a potent offense and strong defensive grit.
First Career Win and a Strong Start
The season began at home with a 2-1 victory over Christendom College, a win that marked a significant milestone: Coach Hartman’s first career coaching win. Freshman Isaac Melendez made an immediate impact, scoring both goals, including the game-winner with seconds left in the first half.
The team continued its strong road performance, defeating Paul Smith’s College 4-1. Jeremiah Gibson and Mark Haye each scored, with Haye netting two goals, while Isaac Melendez added another to his season tally. The following day, the Knights secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Word of Life, with Mark Haye scoring a crucial equalizer in the 89th minute to prevent a loss.
A challenging road match against Manor College resulted in a narrow 3-2 victory, pushing the Knights’ record to 3-0-1 and setting the stage for their national ranking.
Dominance and National Recognition
Following their win streak, the Knights were announced as the No. 2 team in the first USCAA Division II preseason poll. The team’s strong start, which included key wins over conference and non-conference opponents, was noted in the national rankings.
The Knights proved they were worthy of the ranking in their next game, delivering a 5-0 shutout victory over Williamson College of the Trades. Isaac Melendez continued his scoring spree with another two goals, bringing his season total to six. Greg Conkle also contributed a pair of goals, and Gio Fusillo added one.
Looking Ahead
While the team’s winning streak came to an end with a 3-1 loss to Christendom, the Knights remain a force to be reckoned with, holding a 4-1-1 overall record and a 3-1 conference record.
The Knights’ next home game is Tuesday, September 23 at 4 p.m. at Skyline Sports Complex. The team hopes to return to its winning ways and continue its push for a top spot in the USCAA.
