For the second time in the men’s program’s history, the University of New Hampshire Wildcats have reached the NCAA Tournament Round of 16. The feat was accomplished Sunday after a 4-1 victory over North Carolina with every goal being scored in the first half.
New Hampshire defender Bridger Hansen opened the floodgates in the 23rd minute with one of my favorite bicycle kicks of all time. I’ve seen hundreds over the last few years — each one exhilarating in its own right — but I’ve never seen one that begins with the high-stepping of a prone defender. Style points achieved.
Watch this incredible goal by Bridger Hansen to give the Wildcats a 1-0 lead!!
— UNH Men's Soccer (@UNHMSoccer) November 21, 2021
The chilena earned Hansen a spot on Monday morning’s SportsCenter Top 10.
La bicicleta!
Bridger Hansen on this morning's @SportsCenter Top 10! @UNHMSoccer #AEMSOC pic.twitter.com/FE3gIrH3Vc— America East (@AmericaEast) November 22, 2021
Hansen was a 2020-21 MAC Hermann Trophy Award Semifinalist, First-Team All-American and the America East Defender of the Year.
New Hampshire’s overall record for the season is now an impressive 17-1-2, but the Wildcats face their sternest challenge yet in the Round of 16 on Sunday, Nov. 28, against No. 1-ranked Oregon State. The Beavers beat St. John’s 2-0 on Sunday.
Through the fog, Javier Armas puts the Beavers up, 2-0!
— Oregon State Men's Soccer (@BeaverMSoccer) November 22, 2021
