Nov. 28, 2011

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NO. 1 NEW MEXICO (18-0-4 overall, 10-0-0 MPSF) has completed a season to remember. Twenty-two straight games as the nation’s lone unbeaten, only penalty kicks prevented the Lobos from an NCAA Quarterfinal appearance. Seventh-seeded South Florida advanced after Sunday’s third round scoreless draw and 6-5 PK session. Tenth-seeded New Mexico officially turns in an undefeated 18-0-4 season, posting a conference championship and NCAA second round comeback overtime victory over Duke (2-1).   

NO. 24 CSU BAKERSFIELD (12-4-5 overall, 7-3-0 MPSF) made its first ever NCAA Division I Tournament appearance, edged in the first round last Thursday, 1-0 by St. Mary’s. The Roadrunners had advanced to the MPSF Championship game the week prior. Kory Kindle sent the Roadrunners to the finals at the 94:21 mark. Kenny Taylor and Scott Luedtke were named to the conference all-tournament team.

AIR FORCE (12-6-2 overall, 5-3-2 MPSF) advanced to the MPSF Semifinals with a 2-0 outcome over host and No. 6 seed Denver, as Garrett Getschow scored a fourth-minute game-winner and all-tournament selection Kevin Durr a 90^th-minute insurance. Matt Underwood tallied four saves in the complete game shutout. Eric Wilson joined Durr in recording an all-tournament weekend.

SAN JOSE STATE (9-8-3 overall, 5-5-0 MPSF) reached the MPSF Semifinals with a 4-2 quarterfinal victory over Sacramento State. Two losses against the Hornets in the regular season, the Spartans put away three late goals nine minutes apart to advance. Four different players scored, but it was all-tournament selection Steve Sanchez with the game-winner at 72:59. Robert Casteneda also picked up all-tournament recognition.

SACRAMENTO STATE (9-8-2 overall, 5-4-1 MPSF) played San Jose State in the four-five quarterfinal match-up. The Hornets received goals from all-tournament honoree Max Alvarez as well as Almog Strikowski. Chris Bettencourt was a first-team selection this year, as his eight goals and 20 points tied for third and fourth in the MPSF, respectively. 

DENVER (5-11-3 overall, 3-6-1 MPSF) was the MPSF Tournament host as the No. 6 seed, playing No. 3 seed Air Force in Thursday’s quarterfinal. Midfielder Zach Bolden was recognized as an all-tournament performer. Christian Volesky led the Pioneer offense with six goals and eight points this year, tying for sixth and ranking eighth in the MPSF, respectively. Jarod Stigall dished five assists in 2011, tying for fifth through the regular season.