CSUN Has Home-Field Edge in Quest For First Division II Soccer Title
Cal State Northridge, attempting to capture its first national title in soccer, has been selected the host team in the NCAA Division II Final Four on Dec. 3-4 at North Campus Stadium, the NCAA announced Monday.
Northridge (17-7), ranked 12th, will meet second-ranked Oakland University of Michigan (17-2-3) in a semifinal on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. In the other semifinal at 4:30 p.m., the Florida Institute of Technology (13-6-0), which finished the regular season ranked fifth, will play the winner of today’s quarterfinal match between top-ranked New Hampshire College (22-1) and Southern Connecticut State (18-4-3), the defending national champion.
The championship game will be played Sunday, Dec. 4, at 5 p.m.
“This is what it’s all about,” said Northridge Coach Marwan Ass’ad, whose team upset third-ranked Seattle Pacific, 3-2, on Saturday in the Western Regional final in Seattle. “The whole Valley is going to be here. This is going to be great for our fans.”
Northridge averaged crowds of about 1,000 for home matches during the regular season. The Matadors drew more than 3,000 for last year’s regional final against Seattle Pacific. Northridge won that match to advance the Final Four in Tampa, Fla., where the Matadors finished second.
NCAA representative Tucker DiEdwardo said attendance history is part of the criteria used to determine the site of a championship event. Other factors are the quality and availability of facilities and necessary accommodations, revenue potential and location.
Oakland, which defeated Missouri-St. Louis, 3-0, in the Central Region final, is making its second trip to the semifinals in the last 3 years.
“We try and control the tempo of the game,” said Oakland Coach Gary Parsons, whose teams have been in the playoffs 4 times in his 8 years as coach. “We’re more effective on the ground than in the air. If we can control the flow of the game, it’s to our advantage rather than being a team that relies on counter attacking.”
The Pioneers are led by sophomore forward Sel Eren, who has 14 goals and 4 assists, and junior midfielder Earl Parris (11 goals, 10 assists). Junior goalkeeper Ralph Torre has 11 shutouts and a 0.63 goals-against average.
Northridge forward Scott Piri, a redshirt freshman, leads the Matadors with 11 goals and 5 assists. Senior midfielder Steve Lazarus (10 goals, 6 assists) and sophomore forward Jim Hofferber (7 goals, 8 assists) are other offensive threats. Freshman Bobby Reyes, who scored all 3 goals for the Matadors in their overtime win over Seattle Pacific, adds offensive firepower from his midfielder spot.
Tickets for the semifinals and final can be purchased individually and in packages. Information: 818-885-2661.
