Toros Win First Ever NCAA II National Championship
The CSU Dominguez Hills men’s soccer team became national champs when they defeated Barry College in the final tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Tournament in December. The 2-1 victory marked a fitting end to an exciting season for the Toros.
Undefeated in CCAA play this season, the Toros established themselves as a premier soccer team both with the championship title and a number of individual recognitions. CSU Dominguez Hills senior forward Juan Carlos Bolanos was named the 2000 California Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Soccer Player of the Year in a vote of the league coaches. Bolanos was one of eight Cal State Dominguez Hills players to receive All-CCAA accolades.
Bolanos leads the CCAA in scoring (41 points, 2.28 ppg) and is tied with fellow All-CCAA First Team selection senior Alex Bengard for the league lead in goals with 16 and the team lead in game-winners (5).
Toros coach Joe Flanagan was named CCAA Coach of the Year for the second time in his career after guiding CSUDH to a 17-1-1 regular season record and the Central Division title.
Freshman
Victor Guerrero scored the two goals that propelled the CSUDH men’s
soccer team to their 2-1 championship victory in four overtimes against host
Barry University. The last of Guerrero’s goals was scored in the fourth
and final overtime off of a direct kick from junior Sean Lockhart from
26-yards out. "That goal was all heart from me and my team," said
Guerrero. "We were all so spent but at that point the will to win took
over."
The win marked the Toros’ 13th in a row while also extending their unbeaten streak to 22 games. "This was lucky #13 for us," said Flanagan. "This is a dream come true. My team and I will remember this game for the rest of our lives."
The National Championship is the first for the Cal State Dominguez Hills men’s soccer team. It is also the first time ever that a school has garnered national championships for both the men’s and women’s soccer programs at the NCAA Division II level.
Guerrero was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player. Joining him on the All-Tournament team were senior defender Tony de Vocht, senior midfielder Bengard and senior goalkeeper Garrett Estrin.
- Pat Guillen, Sports Information Director; Elana Edelstein, Communications Specialist
