By Ray Alley
High Point University gave up two second-half goals in a two minute span of time which led to a 2-1 loss to the West Virginia Mountaineers at home in Vert Stadium.
But it was the Panthers’ single goal in that game that set a new record in HPU Division I soccer history.
For senior Mamadee Nyepon, his penalty kick set a new school career record for goals scored at 34 and closed the gap to 2-1. It was his fifth goal of the season.
When HPU head coach Dustin Fonder was recruiting Nyepon four years ago, the recruiting trips were short ones. In fact, Fonder didn’t have to leave Guilford County to watch the Greensboro Page High School star perform.
Even in the summers he stayed local, playing for the USL Premier Development League Carolina Dynamo.
The common string throughout his career has been his ability to score goals.
Before setting the new record, Nyepon had scored both goals in High Point’s 2-1 victory over Incarnate Word, in a come-from-behind win in the High Point Plaza Classic.
Both of those goals. scored two minutes apart, came after the 80th minute with High Point trailing 1-0. They tied Nyepon for the career record at 33 goals, set by Chris Archer (2003-06).
Nyepon was born in Liberia, but came to the U.S. at age 12 with his mother and brother. His brother Manbi Nyepon currently plays at Greensboro College.
He grew up in Greensboro, where he began playing soccer and graduated from high school as a Page Pirate.
He scored 57 goals in 62 high school games, was named all-state twice, and was selected twice to USSF Academy National Starting XI lists. He played club soccer for the N.C. Fusion Academy.
“Mamadee was one of the top recruits ever landed by the soccer program at HPU,” said Fonder. “He has proven to be a valuable player from day one as he has scored many important goals for us over the years!
“However, his biggest accomplishment will be that he is going to graduate in just 3.5 years with a human relations major and has been a wonderful ambassador for our program during that same duration.”
Not only does Nyepon lead on the field, his personality and joy of playing rubs off on his teammates and is a very positive influence on team chemistry.
“Mamadee has a big personality that lights up a room and brings smiles to all that know him,” said Fonder. “My biggest thrill is to see that smile after he scores a game winner. It is priceless!!!”
He has the school record in his final season of collegiate soccer, but every goal he scores the rest of the year will be a record breaker. Where he finishes in the record book and where the Panthers finish their season remains to be seen.
“We expect Mamadee to be our top goal scorer in his senior year,” said his coach. “We think this team will go as far as he takes us.”