HICKORY, N.C. - Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Soccer Coach Carlos Rubio has had an eventful summer, as he has led NPSL side Hickory FC to a Southeast Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championship. Due to their 9-0-1 regular season record and a second consecutive Southeast Conference Tournament Championship, Rubio was named NPSL Coach of the Year. This is no small feat, as the NPSL has 75 teams based in 29 states across the country. 

Rubio isn't the only Lenoir-Rhyne coach on staff for Hickory FC, as his LR assistants Jorge Morales and Will VanHoornbeek join him on the sideline. Hickory FC, who just started play two years ago, brings life to Moretz Stadium in the summer has they consistently put 4,000+ fans in the seats. The team consists of many current and former college players, including Lenoir-Rhyne graduates Harri Rowe and Jaheim Smith. In his two seasons at the helm, Rubio has led Hickory FC to a record of 20 wins, three losses, and two draws. 

The Hickory FC season continues on Saturday, July 19th at 7:00 p.m. when they host either Jacksonville Armada FC or the Lubbock Matadors in the South Region Final. The winner of that game will advance to the national semi-finals on Saturday the 26th, and the championship will be played on Saturday, August 2nd. Should Hickory FC keep winning they would host all the way through the national championship. To purchase tickets for Saturday's South Region final, click HERE.

Rubio, Morales, and VanHoornbeek won't have time to rest on their laurels once the Hickory FC season is over as the Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Soccer season kicks off with a home game against Belmont Abbey on Saturday, September 6th. Due to a four-game homestand to open the Bears' season and all Hickory FC playoff games taking place at home, Rubio won't coach an official game outside of Hickory until Wednesday, September 24th, when the Bears travel to Emory & Henry. 

All Lenoir-Rhyne soccer games take place at the Soccer Field at the Moretz Sports Athletics Complex on Lenoir-Rhyne's campus.