By Stefany Romero, staff writer & Katie Richcreek, sports editor
Azusa Pacific men’s soccer is the No. 2 seed in the West Region and the host for the first and second rounds of the NCAA Division II men’s soccer championships. The Cougars, who wrapped up their regular season 14-2, will receive a first-round bye for their seeding.
“We are excited,” said head coach Dave Blomquist. “The boys are a group that is not satisfied by just being in the tournament – they are motivated and driven to be the best.”
The team rallies together before game against Dixie State on Oct. 23.
Photo Credit: Blake Standal
The first round will feature a matchup of third-seeded Cal State and sixth-seeded UC San Diego on Thursday at 7 p.m. APU will play the winner of that game on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Tritons and Golden Eagles faced off once this season, when UC San Diego took a one-goal victory over Cal State LA on Sept. 26.
The Cougars already saw one of their two potential second-round competitors once this season, taking a 1-0 double overtime win over UC San Diego on Sept. 20, breaking even with a series history of 13-13-1.
Cal State LA leads the short series history against APU 2-0, defeating the Cougars 3-0 in the team’s 2013 season opener. The Golden Eagles this season returned junior forward Andre Bissmark, who accounted for two of that game’s three goals.
“The guys want to keep moving forward and we know that both teams are quality opponents,” Blomquist said. “We are going to prepare for both teams because it is going to be a great game and anyone can win.”
Team reacts to news of playoffs during the selection show on Monday, Nov. 10.
Photo Courtesy: APU Sports Information
UC San Diego ended the regular season 10-4-5 while Cal State LA finished at 13-3-1.
The 35-team layout includes 2-6 teams from each of the eight regions. The East, Southeast and West regions account for the most teams, registering six playoff competitors apiece.
The West Region is composed of four teams who competed in the 2013 NCAA Tournament and two first-time Division II playoff competitors, including APU and Northwest Nazarene.
Fifth seed Simon Fraser, a 2013 Final Four team, will play fourth seed Northwest Nazarene on Thursday at Seattle Pacific. The winner of that matchup will take on top seed Seattle Pacific, which has the most playoff appearances and holds the second most national titles among NCAA Division II programs.
The third round and quarterfinals will be held Nov. 20-23 with locations to be announced. The Final Four will play in Louisville, Kentucky, from Dec. 4-6.