Toros to Host Chico State and UC San Diego in First Round of 2003 NCAA Men's Soccer Playoffs
November 10, 2003

CARSON, Calif.- The NCAA announced today that Cal State Dominguez Hills will host California Collegiate Athletic Association conference rivals Chico State and UC San Diego for the NCAA II Far West Region Championships. Chico State and UC San Diego will play on Friday, November 14 at 7 PM with the Toros playing the winner on Sunday, November 16 at 2 PM. Both games will be played at Toro Field on the campus of CSUDH.

CSUDH, ranked No. 5 in this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) national poll, will be making its fifth NCAA postseason appearance and fourth in the last four years. The Toros were upset by UC San Diego (2-1) in the semifinals of the CCAA Championship Tournament, hosted by CSUDH last weekend. The Toros' only two losses on the season have come at the hands of UCSD.

Chico State enters the weekend ranked No. 10 in the country with a 17-4-1 overall record. This is Chico's 13th NCAA Tournament appearance and first since 1992. The Wildcats are coming off their first-ever CCAA Conference Championship this last weekend, defeating UC San Diego 5-1 in the Championship Game. Earlier this season in Carson, Cal State Dominguez Hills shutout Chico 4-0.

UC San Diego enters this weekend with an 11-6-1 overall record, also making its first NCAA II postseason appearance. The Tritons, who defeated Cal State Dominguez Hills twice this year, are looking to avenge its 5-1 drubbing on Sunday in the CCAA Men's Soccer Championship Game.

"We are ecstatic to be able to host the NCAA playoffs again this year," states CSUDH Head Coach Joe Flanagan. "I am glad for the fans and the University who have been so supportive throughout the year." Already considered the strongest NCAA Division II conference in the country, with four of the last seven national champions coming from the CCAA, the Toros have their work cut out for them by playing a conference school.

"Chico State and UCSD are both really good programs," says Flanagan. "All teams are starting a new season with a clean slate and we are looking forward to some quality games this weekend."

The winner of this weekend's Far West Regional Championship will advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals against the winner of the Midwest Regional Championship featuring No. 1 seed Incarnate Word (TX), Midwestern State (TX) and Northeastern State (OK) on November 22 or 23 at a site yet to be determined.

For further information, please contact the CSUDH Sports Information Office at (310) 243-3764 or here at the CSUDH Athletics Department web site, The Toros Online.

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