NCAA DIVISION I SOCCER

The Pack is Back: NC State and the Stories Defining College Soccer

College soccer is hitting new heights this fall, and the stories unfolding across the country have the feel of a landmark season. From Raleigh to Portland, and from Kentucky to California, programs are breaking records, filling stadiums, and producing headline-grabbing performances. At the center of it all? NC State, a team rewriting history one clean sheet at a time.

NC State’s Historic Run

The Wolfpack are off to a dream start: seven wins, one draw, and zero goals conceded through their first eight matches. That makes them the only Division I program yet to be scored upon — a remarkable feat that has propelled them to No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll for the first time in program history.

The formula is simple but devastating: a back line that refuses to break, anchored by senior goalkeeper Logan Erb, and an attack powered by junior striker Donavan Phillip. Erb has already stacked up eight consecutive shutouts, while Phillip leads the entire NCAA in scoring with 12 goals in eight matches. That includes two hat-tricks, a four-goal explosion against William & Mary, and a brace in the win over Boston College.

The numbers paint a picture of dominance: +25 goal differential, national leaders in goals (25), points (78), and corners per game (9.5). And the fans are taking notice. Earlier this month, a record 5,083 people packed the stands for the rivalry showdown with UNC, setting a new benchmark for Wolfpack soccer.

Marc Hubbard’s side isn’t just winning games — they’re making people believe this could be a season for the ages.

Drama Across the Nation

The weekend delivered plenty of storylines beyond Raleigh.

• Stanford showed trademark grit in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Oregon State. Captain Will Cleary opened the scoring, Shane De Flores pulled the Cardinal level late, and Tomo Allen struck the winner in the dying seconds to complete the comeback.

• In the Big Ten, Michigan State shocked No. 3 Indiana with a disciplined 1-0 win at DeMartin Stadium, giving the Spartans their first conference victory in front of a buzzing home crowd.

• The Portland Pilots climbed to No. 2 in the nation, their highest ranking since 1992, extending their unbeaten streak to 17 straight matches (dating back to last season).

• Rivalry night in Kentucky lived up to the billing. Kentucky and Louisville battled to a 2-2 draw in a match that swung back and forth. Alex Ruiz and Isaiah Chisolm put Kentucky in front twice, but in the 89th minute, Ryan Quintos salvaged a point for Louisville with a header off a corner.

With the season nearing its halfway mark, the race for national supremacy is wide open. From NC State’s perfect defense to Portland’s historic climb, the drama is only just beginning.

SPONSORED BY SGA PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Why Video & Data Analysis Is a Game-Changer for Youth Development

In today’s game, raw talent isn’t enough — the players who rise are the ones who understand the game. That’s where video and data analysis transforms potential into performance. By breaking down the smallest details, athletes gain the tools to sharpen their decision-making, build tactical awareness, and accelerate long-term development.

What It Looks Like in Action

• 🎥 Individual Skill Assessments – identify strengths and pinpoint areas for growth

• 📈 Customized Training Programs – designed from actual performance data, not guesswork

• 🧠 Tactical Insights from Game Footage – see what coaches and scouts see, and learn how to adjust

• 🔁 Regular Performance Reviews – track progress and refine goals over time

Why It Matters

When players review their matches with experienced consultants, every decision comes into focus: Why did I take that touch? Where could I have played the ball quicker? What space did I miss? These lessons add up, helping athletes anticipate plays before they happen and react under pressure with confidence.

On a team level, data and tactical consulting provide an edge in match analysis, scouting reports, formation optimization, and in-game decision-making support — the details that separate winning from losing.

SGA’s personalized consulting gives every player the tools to unlock their full potential. Because in modern soccer, talent takes you far — but data takes you further.

A Future Star Signs in Kansas City

The week’s biggest development off the college field came from MLS NEXT Pro. Sporting Kansas City II announced the signing of Zamir Loyo Reynaga to an amateur deal — a move that allows him to train and potentially debut with the professional side while keeping NCAA eligibility intact.

The kicker? He’s only 14 years old.

Already one of Sporting’s brightest academy prospects, Loyo Reynaga has made a habit of playing above his age group. He started his international journey in 2023 at the Cronos Cup with the U-14s, lifted the Easter International Cup with the U-14s in 2024, and reached the final of the Patterson Cup. Last season, he featured at the GA Cup and MLS NEXT Flex with the U-16s, then competed with the U-15s in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs — before even joining the U-18s for regular season minutes.

Internationally, he’s worn the colors of both the U.S. U-15s and the Mexico U-15s, underscoring his dual-national appeal. His versatility across midfield roles, coupled with technical maturity beyond his years, makes him one of the most exciting prospects in the Sporting pipeline.

If all goes to plan, Loyo Reynaga could make his SKC II debut this weekend against Ventura County FC, a moment that would mark another step forward in his rapid rise.