In an unexpected decision from the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament selection committee, Denver Men’s Soccer (12-3-4) was given the #3 seed overall seed. This assignment follows a disappointing home loss to UMKC on home turf Saturday in the Summit League Championship. With the top-four seeding, the Pioneers will enjoy home-field advantage all the way until the College Cup semifinals in Cary, North Carolina, should the advance that far. Summit League champion Kansas City will face St. Louis in the first round thanks to their automatic bid.
Many fans feared the Pioneers might drop as far as 7 or 8 following their loss to the Roos on Saturday. Top Drawer Soccer, for example, has DU soccer at #12 in this week’s media poll and the College Soccer Coaches Poll had Denver at #4 before Saturday’s loss.
Denver will enjoy a first-round bye and host the winner of the Oregon State-Gardner-Webb first-round matchup on November 24th on Pioneer Field. With a win, DU likely would face men’s soccer blue-blood Indiana at Pioneer Field in the Quarterfinals.
Denver was rewarded for their difficult non-conference schedule. The #3 seed, the program’s highest ever, and extra rest should provide them all the confidence they need to take advantage of their home field and make their first run to the College Cup since 2016.
Dunker was surprised and elated with the seeding. We’ll probably have to score 2 or more goals to win any games. Let’s see what Jamie comes up with and how our players react to knockout rounds.
Heck yeah! The committee is finally rewarding them for playing a tough schedule! Let’s go!!
Interesting to revisit this article! A #3 overall seed for Denver Men’s Soccer is certainly a surprise, but their strong record throughout the season speaks for itself. This bodes well for their chances in the NCAA Tournament!
There are reports Monty’s been fired as head coach with the Bruins.
Great to see DU being rewarded by the NCAA for the hellacious, road-heavy schedule they played.
The boys know exactly what they need to do to advance in this tourney – it’s all about creating chances and then taking advantage of the opportunities by scoring on the offensive end, tracking back, blocking shots and playing precise defense, especially on set pieces.
The Pios have up to three home games in this tourney, provided they play well enough to win them.
Why not now?