Photo Credit: USS
In November 2024, Howard University celebrated a golden milestone in its rich history—a weekend honoring the 1974 men’s soccer team, the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to win an NCAA Div I national championship. Fifty years ago, this extraordinary team shattered expectations and left an indelible mark on both soccer and the broader narrative of Black excellence in sports.
The festivities culminated on November 3rd with an elegant banquet at Howard’s Blackburn Center, where the remaining team members and their iconic coach, Lincoln Phillips, gathered to reminisce and be inducted into the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame. The banquet’s theme—“Truth crushed to earth shall rise again,” a hallmark quote of Coach Phillips—set the tone for a celebration that was equal parts reflection, triumph, and gratitude.
A Season for the Ages
The 1974 Howard men’s soccer team wasn’t just good—they were unstoppable. With an undefeated 19-0 record, they demolished opponents, including an unforgettable game where they scored 16 goals. Their dominance on the field was unmatched, winning by as many as 8 goals in matches. The team remains the only NCAA men’s soccer champions to achieve perfection with an unblemished season.
But their triumphs weren’t just about skill and strategy; they were about resilience. This championship came two years after their controversial 1971 title was vacated due to NCAA infractions many saw as unjust and steeped in bias. Their 1974 season was more than a comeback; it was a statement.
Coach Phillips: A Visionary Beyond the Game
Coach Lincoln Phillips wasn’t just a tactician—he was a trailblazer. Speaking at the event, he reflected on the team’s impact: “We were a catalyst for the Black community in the ’70s to gain awareness of soccer, especially here in D.C.”
Phillips’ influence extended beyond the Howard campus. He brought soccer into the heart of the community, creating clinics in Washington, D.C., that introduced the sport to countless young people. His efforts planted the seeds for a growing connection between African Americans and soccer, a bond still evident today.
A Star-Studded Celebration
The banquet was as illustrious as the team it celebrated. Emceed by former boxing promoter and Howard alumnus Rock Newman, the evening featured reflections, tributes, and camaraderie. The keynote speaker, Shaka Hislop—another Howard grad, former EPL goalkeeper, and current sportscaster—offered heartfelt words about the legacy of the 1974 team and its importance in the broader tapestry of sports history.
The weekend wasn’t just about the past; it was a bridge to the future. With their induction into the Hall of Fame, the 1974 team’s legacy has been etched into Howard’s history forever.
A Legacy That Rises Again
For the Black community, the team’s victory in 1974 symbolized much more than a trophy. It represented perseverance, excellence, and the ability to rise above adversity. As Coach Phillips’ favorite quote reminds us, “Truth crushed to earth shall rise again.” Fifty years later, this truth still echoes—not just on the campus of Howard University but in every corner of the soccer world where their story continues to inspire.
The End