Cape Fear Soccer Team to Compete in District Tournament
The Wilmington-based team travels to Florida this Friday to compete for a spot in the national championship.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Soccer
Live Poll
Do you feel consistent success in local college sports reflects well on your community's talent development?
The Cape Fear Community College women's soccer team travels to Pensacola, Florida, to compete in the NJCAA Division II South District Championship on Oct. 30, 2026. A victory in the tournament would secure the program a spot in the national tournament.
Why it matters
Winning this district championship is a critical milestone for the team, as it serves as the final gateway to qualify for the national tournament. The program enters the postseason with a strong record, maintaining an undefeated streak in Region 10 play that dates back to 2022.
The program has secured 16 regular-season regional titles and 15 conference tournament championships over its 20-year history. The team recently defeated Richard Bland College 1-0 on Oct. 24 to advance to this stage.
The players
Cape Fear Community College
A community college based in Wilmington, North Carolina, that sponsors this women's soccer program.
C.W. Ponton
The head coach who has led the women's soccer program to five consecutive titles.
Pensacola State College
The opponent scheduled to face the Cape Fear Community College team in the upcoming district semifinal.
Richard Bland College
The opponent that was defeated by Cape Fear Community College in the regional championship game.
The details
Coach C.W. Ponton has led the team to five consecutive titles, contributing to a total run of six straight regional championships. The team faces Pensacola State College in the semifinal match, scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday.
Timeline
Oct. 17, 2022: Date of the team's last loss in a Region 10 game.
Oct. 24, 2026: Date the team defeated Richard Bland College 1-0.
Oct. 30, 2026: Semifinal match against Pensacola State College at 5 p.m.
Oct. 31, 2026: Potential date for the district championship game.
Season Trajectory
Advancing to the NJCAA Division II South District Championship marks the culmination of a dominant regional season for the program. Success at this stage directly dictates whether the team extends its campaign to the national tournament or concludes its postseason run.
A win in the semifinal match against Pensacola State College on Oct. 30 will place the team in the championship game the following day. This tournament appearance is the final hurdle for the program to earn a bid to the national tournament.
The takeaway
The team enters the tournament with a strong defensive record, having not lost a regional conference game in four years. Maintaining this momentum through the district stage is essential for the program to secure a national tournament berth.
What happens next
The semifinal match is scheduled for Oct. 30, 2026, followed by the potential championship game on Oct. 31, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local athletics, visit the Soccer section.
Live Poll
Do you feel consistent success in local college sports reflects well on your community's talent development?
