Men's DI Tournament Second Round Recap

by Victor Olorunfemi

November 20, 2023

Read a recap of a sensational second round of the men’s NCAA tournament.

Tyger Pounces Again

If it wasn’t enough to score an 89th-minute free kick to win a first-round game, how about scoring the only goal in a second-round victory? The British attacker has been elite in the tournament and ensured Loyola Marymount advances past UCLA.

Set Piece Execution

The best teams can hurt you in many ways, and Indiana showed a facet of its toolbox in a 3-2 victory over Wake Forest. The Hoosiers scored a set-piece goal in the 54th minute to tie the score 1-1, then another in overtime to win the game for good at 3-2. The sensational Hugo Bacharach was at the receiving end of both, pointing to a significant threat teams must pay attention to on free-kicks, long throw-ins, and corner kicks.

94' | HUGOOOOO!@HBacharach | #IUMS pic.twitter.com/ciyHKmRaMH
— Indiana Men's Soccer (@IndianaMSOC) November 20, 2023

Bronco Country, Let’s Ride

The Western Michigan Broncos will be playing in the Round of 16 for a second straight season after a gritty 2-1 victory over Duke. Dylan Sing scored in regulation to equalize the game, allowing Charlie Sharp to deliver the winner with a well-taken overtime header. The Missouri Valley Champions continue as a legitimate dark horse due to a combination of elite talent, coaching, chemistry, and experience.

Who else but Charlie Sharp ‼️🔥 @WMUMensSoccer #NCAASoccer x 🎥 ESPN+/@MVCsports pic.twitter.com/HcNHAISCx8
— NCAA Soccer (@NCAASoccer) November 19, 2023

Down Goes Syracuse

There will be no repeat champions this season, as New Hampshire handled Syracuse 3-0. In truth, the Orange have looked average all season, clearly struggling to replace the six starters from the 2023 championship game. There is no doubt this team will reload for next season, but for now, all focus turns towards New Hampshire, who proved it may have what it takes.

Eli Goldman makes it a 3-0 game to extend the 'Cats lead!

Match Day Central ➡️ https://t.co/OYPxQQv1eI
Watch Live on ESPN+ ➡️ https://t.co/EEG5cd8WwM #NewEraSharedPurpose pic.twitter.com/D4kHI3Sfmb
— UNH Men's Soccer (@UNHMSoccer) November 19, 2023

Dukes of Hazard

The James Madison Dukes knocked out a big favorite as they traveled to Georgetown and left with a 1-0 win. It was a brutal 90 minutes, but a Davide Materazzi penalty kick held up as James Madison repelled attack after attack.

Sun Belt versus ACC

A sneaky race to monitor is which conference will be the king of college soccer. The ACC is the traditional power, but the last few years have proved the Sun Belt is one to reckon with, as the two leagues have won the previous three college cups. Four ACC teams are remaining to three for the Sun Belt, as both have held up well.

Farr-Out

Before the tournament started, we mentioned that Oregon State would go as far as the impressive Logan Farrington takes the team, and that held up today as the Wisconsin native scored two goals in a 3-0 win at favored Portland. The second is a must-watch goal.