Men’s Soccer Reaches NCAA Final Four

For the first time in program history, the Washington College men’s soccer team reached the final four of the NCAA Division III tournament, sparking soccer mania and school pride across campus and among alumni.

Left to right: Ben Strine '24, Tshazi Kamau '27, Chris Comber '24, and Katim Njie '25.It was just the third time the Shoremen competed in the NCAA tournament, and their previous best showing was the Sweet 16 in 2021. 

“We knew all eyes were on us, and we’re extremely grateful for the support we got from the whole (Washington College) community,” said goalkeeper Anthony Pinto ’24 in a post-game press conference. “It was one hell of a journey.” 

The team’s 2023 season was characterized by extremes, starting with a four-game winless streak followed by an eight-game winning streak. Then, despite earning the top seed for the Centennial Conference tournament, the Shoremen suffered a heartbreaking loss in the semifinal game. Having missed the automatic NCAA bid, the team and Washington fans had to endure a nerve-wracking weekend before finding out they would still go to the 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Soccer Tournament with an at-large bid. 

Through their five games in the NCAA tournament, Washington showed a balanced offense, with six goals from five different players, captain Harrison Malone ’24 being the only Shoreman to score twice in the tournament. Three of their four wins were by a one-goal margin, and the fourth was decided on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw. 

Consistent through it all was goalkeeper Pinto, who played every minute of the tournament. He made two dozen saves, including fending off 11 shots on goal when the team outlasted #2 Mary Washington in the Sweet 16 for a 1-0 win.  

The Shoremen’s historic season came to end with a 3-1 loss to eventual national champions St. Olaf College in the semifinals. Washington is now 6-3 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. The tournament was a crowning achievement to the collegiate soccer careers of eight seniors: Malone, Ben Strine, Alex Coster, Chris Comber, Max Greenfeld, Cole Gifford, Ben Horgan, and Jackson Sopa. The eight were part of three Centennial Conference Tournament teams, two NCAA Tournament squads, and the 2021 Centennial Conference title team. Comber and Malone were named to the All-Tournament Team. 

After the St. Olaf game, in his final press conference of a remarkable season, Head Coach Roy Dunshee spoke of his pride in the team, its achievements, and its togetherness.  

"This is the finest team I’ve been a part of, either as a player or a coach. They play the best football, but more importantly, they love each other, and they care for each other. I’d like to think I’m a caring coach, but I know for a fact that (Malone is) a caring captain and (Pinto is) a caring goalkeeper,” Dunshee said. “We’ve created a family. These bonds are really strong, and they’ll last a long time. When we have a little time to reflect on this, we’re going to look back on this and remember it as one of the great times in our lives.” 

— Mark Jolly-Van Bodegraven