West Palm Beach, Fla. | The Mountain Lions' historic season came to a close Friday afternoon in a hard-fought 2–0 loss to Flagler College in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament. 

Young Harris entered the match riding the momentum of its first-ever Conference Carolinas Championship, capping off a record-breaking campaign that will be remembered for years to come. The Mountain Lions finished the season with an outstanding 15-2-3 overall record and an 11-1-1 mark in conference play, earning national recognition along the way. 

After a scoreless first half, Flagler broke through in the 72nd minute with a goal from Daniel Becerra, followed quickly by a penalty kick conversion from Alex Alexandrou less than a minute later. Despite the setback, Young Harris battled until the final whistle, generating six second-half shots and three corner kicks in search of a comeback. 

This NCAA appearance marked another milestone for the Mountain Lions, who posted five consecutive wins late in the season, remained unbeaten on the road during the regular season, and brought home the first conference tournament trophy in school history, which will soon be proudly displayed in The Harp Commencement and Recreation Center. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE: 

• Flagler held a 17–7 advantage in total shots, including eight on goal. 

• Young Harris recorded three corner kicks, two in the first half. 

• Goalkeeper James Dee tallied six saves to keep the Mountain Lions within striking distance. 

• Leho Le Louarn and Bjarne Renner each recorded two shots. 

• Thomas Kleinpenning, Filip Zander, and Alfredo Guerra each attempted a shot, with Zander having the Mountain Lions lone shot on goal. 

SEASON SPOTLIGHT:

• First-ever Conference Carolinas Championship for Young Harris College across all sports. 

• Unbeaten road record during the regular season. 

• Dean Grey earned Conference Carolinas Men's Soccer Coach of the Year, while Thomas Kleinpenning took home Conference Carolinas Offensive Player of the Year honors. 

• Altogether, YH had nine players make the Conference Carolinas All-Conference Team. 

• Standout performances from Kleinpenning, Leho Le Louarn, and Finals MVP Filip Zander in the Conference Carolinas Tournament. 

While Friday's result was not the ending the Mountain Lions hoped for, this team's accomplishments have set a new standard for excellence at Young Harris College (in the Conference Carolinas era). Congratulations to our players and coaches for an unforgettable season that will inspire future generations of Mountain Lions!