Toros to Host Sonoma State in NCAA Far West Region Championship
NCAA announces CSUDH as host site for first round of NCAA men's soccer playoffs
November 11, 2002

NCAA Men's Soccer Playoff Brackets (PDF format)

CARSON, Calif.- The NCAA announced today that Cal State Dominguez Hills will host California Collegiate Athletic Association conference rival Sonoma State for the NCAA II Far West Region Championship. The game will be played on Saturday, November 16, with kick-off slated for 1:00 p.m.

CSUDH, ranked No. 5 in this weeks National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) national poll, locked up the top seed in the Far West after winning its fourth consecutive CCAA crown this past weekend. The Toros defeated Cal State Bakersfield 2-0 in the championship game of the conference tournament Sunday on the campus of Sonoma State University. Cal State Dominguez Hills is now 18-3-1 heading into the postseason and have won five games in a row and eight of its last nine.

Sonoma State enters the weekend ranked No. 13 in the country with a 16-3-1 overall record. The Seawolves, hosts of the 2002 CCAA Tournament, took an indirect route to the postseason. Sonoma tied Cal State Bakersfield in the semifinals, 2-2, but did not advance after Bakersfield won in a shootout, 3-2. That tie, coupled with Bakersfield's third loss of the season to the Toros, propelled SSU to this weekend's regional championship.

"Hosting the NCAA's has always been great for us (hosted at least the 1st round the past three seasons) and we are glad we have the opportunity to host again," states CSUDH head coach Joe Flanagan. "I am glad for the fans and the University who have been so supportive throughout the year."

The Toros and Seawolves faced off earlier this season in Carson with CSUDH defeating Sonoma State, 2-0, on second half goals by Eduardo Serrano (Toluca, Mexico) and Scott White (Sonora HS).

"Sonoma is obviously a very good team. The time we played them earlier this year was a hotly contested battle. I expect no less for Saturday. They are very well coached and extremely excited to get to the playoffs. But we will be prepared and hopefully will be able to move on to the next round."

The winner of Saturday's game will advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals against the winner of the Midwest Regional Championship featuring Incarnate Word (TX) and Midwestern State (TX) on November 23 or 24 at a site yet to be determined.

Ticket Information Adults $6.00 Students $3.00 Seniors (55+) $3.00 Children (12 & under) $3.00

For further information, please contact the CSUDH Sports Information Office at (310) 243-3764