The Chico State men's soccer team didn't get the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship banner it was after Sunday. But a second consecutive NCAA Championship Tournament West Region title would certainly help them to forget.
Chico State will face Cal State L.A. in the opening round of the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship Tournament West Regional Thursday at 4 p.m. at Interbay Stadium in Seattle, Wash. It will be rematch of Sunday's CCAA Championship Tournament final, which the Golden Eagles won 2-0.
The Wildcats (13-4-3) are the No. 3 seed and Cal State L.A. (14-1-5) No. 2. In Thursday's second regional semifinal, top seed and host Seattle Pacific (13-3-2) will square off against No. 4 seed Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-5-2).
The winners will play Saturday at 7 p.m. for the West Region title and a berth in the NCAA Championship Tournament quarterfinals.
Chico State and Cal State L.A. played to a 2-2 tie in Southern California earlier this season. But the CCAA South Division champion Golden Eagles scored twice despite being limited to just six shots in Sunday's title tilt. Meanwhile, the Wildcats went scoreless on 16 shots and were shut out for the first time in 11 matches.
Chico State and Seattle Pacific played to a scoreless draw in the season opener for both teams. The Wildcats have dominated two matches against Cal State Dominguez Hills this season, winning the first 5-0 and the second – Friday's CCAA Championship Tournament semifinal – 3-0.
The Wildcats swamped Sonoma State 2-0 in last year's regional opener and then scored twice in the final 3:46 to stun seventh-ranked Grand Canyon in the regional title match. It was the Wildcats sixth West Region title and first since 2003.
Tickets for West Regional NCAA Tournament games can be purchased at the gate on game day and are $7 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Interbay Stadium is located just off the Dravus Street exit of 15th Avenue, at 3027 17th Ave. W., Seattle 98119. For more information please contact the SPU Ticket Office at: (206) 281-2085.
The 2011 NCAA semifinals and championship game are scheduled for Dec. 1 and 3 in Pensacola, Fla.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SELECTION SHOW, SEE INTERACTIVE AND PRINTABLE BRACKETS
2011 NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
West Region Pairings
Interbay Stadium/Seattle, Wash.
First Round -- Thursday, Nov. 10
Game 1 -- Cal State L.A. (14-1-5) vs.
Chico State (13-4-3), 4 p.m.
Game 2 -- Cal State Dominguez Hills (12-5-2) vs. Seattle Pacific (13-3-2), 7 p.m.
Second Round -- Saturday, Nov. 12
Game 3 -- Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 7 p.m.
