Daniel Moore returns to former school as Niners draw St. Louis

Charlotte men’s soccer team left former Atlantic 10 conference rival Saint Louis University Tuesday, Oct. 1, with a draw in a game that meant more to one Niner in particular — Daniel Moore.

The senior defenseman started his collegiate career with the Billikens and helped lead the school to two A10 regular season and tournament titles between 2020-2022. Tuesday’s game marked the first time Moore had been back on the Saint Louis pitch after transferring to Charlotte, which brought a mix of emotion.

“Saint Louis is like a second home to me,” Moore said. “I made many relationships there and will have some friends in the stands as well and will feel great to take a stroll down memory lane. At the end of the day it’s still a business trip first and a job must get done.”

The trip to Missouri was a year after Moore transferred to UNC Charlotte and returned to his hometown. Moore, who graduated from North Mecklenburg High School, played club soccer at Charlotte Independence Developmental Academy. Last season, his efforts helped the Niners defense to a Top 10 ranking in average goals against. Moore said his familiarity with the area and some of the players helped the transition.

Moore has six regular season games left in his college career, at least two will be played in front of a hometown crowd with lifelong friends and family in the stands. For Moore, that’s important.

“It just means something more when there are people in the stands that care so much about you.”