The Piedmont men’s soccer team has shocked the entire USA South conference this season. The Lions are 7-1-3, 5-0-3 in USA South play, and sit at the top of the Western Division standings as their season winds down. Piedmont’s record may have surprised a large number of people, but senior midfielder Cooper Donnelly knew exactly what the men were capable of.
“We aren’t surprised at all,” said Donnelly. “We are being the team that we set out to be from the beginning. We are excited that everyone is playing well, but not surprised.”
The last two games for the Lions both ended in draws against tough USA South opponents, Methodist and N.C. Wesleyan. Their game against Methodist ended in a 2-2 tie with goals from Cameron Earls and Garret Moore. The game against N.C. Wesleyan finished 0-0, as Piedmont stayed undefeated in conference play. Earls has scored a total of 14 goals this season and shows no sign of slowing down. He could potentially be named Player of the Year in the USA South, and he has the full support of the teammates behind him.
“It’s crazy how good he (Earls) has been this season,” said Donnelly. “He made a huge jump from last season and we really trust him to make plays for us. Especially deep into the season.”
The level of excitement for this young team is high as they continue down the stretch of their last five regular season games before the conference tournament. The men have exceeded expectations and could make a serious run at a USA South championship.
“That is something we set for ourselves this season,” explained Donnelly. “With the way we are playing now there’s no way we wouldn’t come home with that USA South trophy.”