HAVERFORD, Pa. – Third-seeded Haverford College Men's Soccer (10-0-9) returns to postseason play for the first time since 2019, hosting sixth-seeded Muhlenberg (8-2-8) in the Centennial Conference First Round on Tuesday, November 4, after completing its first undefeated regular season since 1945. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m.
Ticket Info
Tickets for all Centennial Conference Championship events are available exclusively through Hudl, the official ticket provider. Fans can purchase tickets online or on-site by scanning a QR code—no cash sales will be accepted. Centennial Conference students, faculty, and staff must present a valid college ID for FREE admission.
Ticket Prices:
Adults – $10
Students (Age 6–High School) – $5
Senior Citizens – $5
Centennial College Students, Faculty & Staff – FREE (with ID)
Children 5 & Under – FREE
Fords Files
The Haverford College men's soccer team enters the Centennial Conference tournament as the undefeated third seed, having completed their first perfect regular season (10-0-9, 3-0-6 CC) since 1945. The Fords carry a 19-match unbeaten streak into the playoffs, punctuated by a dramatic 1-0 Senior Day victory over rival Swarthmore on November 1, where senior Gabe Knopf scored the game-winner in the 88th minute to help clinch the third seed. Haverford's success has been built on an impenetrable defense that has allowed only eight goals all season. This unit is anchored by goalkeeper Grayson Benson, who leads the Centennial Conference with a 0.44 goals-against average, an .840 save percentage, and 10 solo shutouts. On the offensive side, the attack is facilitated by conference assist-leader Thomas Vanni, who has nine assists, while he and first-year Charles Sharp are tied for the team lead with 13 points apiece.
Scouting the Mules
Muhlenberg enters the Centennial Conference postseason with an 8-2-8 overall record after finishing 3-2-4 in conference play. Their playoff journey begins on the road at Haverford , a team they battled to a 0-0 draw during their regular season meeting on October 22 at Walton Field. The Mules are defined by their formidable defense, which has conceded only 12 goals all season while posting eight shutouts. Senior goalkeeper Ben Mulford has been the anchor of that unit, starting all 18 games and compiling an impressive 0.62 goals-against average with an .836 save percentage. The offense, which has scored 24 goals, is led by a balanced trio of five-goal scorers: rookie Daniel Ariza (12 points), senior Elie Khalil (11 points), and sophomore Saleem Diakite (10 points).
Postseason History
As one of the oldest collegiate soccer programs in the nation, Haverford men's soccer possesses an illustrious postseason history highlighted by success across multiple eras, regions, and conferences. The program's earliest dominance includes eight Intercollegiate Soccer Football Association (ISFA) National Championships won between 1904 and 1926. Following this, the team became a powerhouse in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), capturing eight MAC championships between 1938 and 1988 and numerous division titles.
The Fords have qualified for the NCAA Championship tournament seven times, with appearances spanning from 1976 to 2018. In the modern era, Haverford has made ten appearances in the Centennial Conference tournament, winning the championship four times (2012, 2015, 2016, 2018). The team's deepest NCAA tournament run came in 2015, when they advanced all the way to the national quarterfinals.
Fords vs. Mules in the Postseason
Haverford has faced Muhlenberg three times in postseason play, holding a 2-1 advantage in those contests. The Fords' victories both came in the MAC tournament, defeating Muhlenberg 2-1 in the 1992 south division playoff and 2-1 in overtime in the 1988 South Division Championship. Muhlenberg's victory occurred in their most recent playoff meeting, a 1-0 win in the 2014 Centennial Conference championship game.
Up Next
With a victory, the Fords would travel to second-seeded Gettysburg for CC semifinal action on Friday (5 p.m. kickoff).
Follow the Fords
Haverford fans wishing to follow the action throughout postseason play should bookmark the Centennial Conference Digital Network, and be sure to follow @HCFords_Sports on Twitter and @HCFordsSports on Instagram.
