This weekend the Mavericks (13-3-5) will travel to Azusa, Calif. for the 2018 NCAA South Central Regional Championship. The west region and the south central region will each bring two teams to Azusa to determine a regional champion for the respective regions. Each year the host sight will alternate between the west and south central region. This year the host site comes from Azusa Pacific University who is the highest seed remaining in the west region.
The first match on Thursday will determine the South Central Regional Champion. This match is between Colorado Mesa and West Texas A&M. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm PST at the Cougar Soccer Complex. Following this match the West Region Champion will be determined between Cal Poly Pomona and Azusa Pacific. This match is set to begin at 7:00 pm PST.
The regional champions will advance to the National Quarterfinal match that will take place on Saturday Nov 17 at 6:00 pm PST.
All three matches will be hosted at the Cougar Soccer Complex. The winner of Saturday's match will move on to the Semifinals in Pittsburgh, Pa. Nov 29 followed by the Championship match on Dec 1.
How the Mavs Got Here
The Mavericks continued there NCAA Tournament run by defeated MSU-Texas 5-4 in penalty kicks after 110 minutes of action. It took all defense and a save during the shootout by Briley Guarneri to reserve a plane ticket to Azusa, Pacific.
Guarneri made four saves throughout the match and the Mavericks defense defended 17 total shots. Guarneri knew all he needed was one save during the shootout and the team would be able to do the rest.
When asked how far this team can go he stated, "As far as we can. We are going to take it game by game. Get to work in training and prepare for West Texas A&M. Take things game by game. We are battling right now and we just want to go as far as we can and prolong our season."
This the farthest the Mavericks have made it in the NCAA Tournament since 2014 when the Mavericks reached the semifinals before falling to The University of Charleston 0-2.
About West Texas A&M
After defeating Colorado School of Mines 2-0 on Monday afternoon the Buffs of West Texas A&M advanced to the South Central Regional final. The Buffs and Mavericks will meet for the second time this season.
These two teams played each other in August for the opening match of the Mavericks 2018 season. The game was played at a neutral site in Taos, N.M. The Mavericks and Buffs tied 1-1 (2OT).
James McGhee was responsible for the Maverick's goal during that game.
West Texas A&M will enter Thursday's match 16-2-3 and Heartland Conference Tournament Champions. In the final tournament match the Buffs were crowned champions after defeating MSU-Texas 5-4 in penalty kicks.
Game Details
Site
Azusa Pacific University (West Campus)
Cougar Soccer Complex
635 E. Foothill Blvd
Azusa, CA 91702
Tickets
Tickets may be purchased at the entrance on hour prior to the start of each game or via-online at http:www.apu.edu/eventcenter/tickets or phone (626-815-6016).
General admission: Adult $12
Students with ID $5
Seniors (55 & older) $5
Children (2 & younger) Free
*All tickets are general admission and seats are available by a first-come, first-serve basis.
Live Video and Live Stats
Free live video streaming produced by Azusa Pacific Athletics is available at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/apu/
