Dec. 7, 2009

Complete Release in PDF Format

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP: USC won back-to-back national championships for the first time in program history, defeating No. 2 seed UCLA 7-6 in the title game at Princeton, N.J. Sunday. The Trojans got off to a quick 3-0 start in the first quarter and never looked back. Peter Kurzeka, along with NCAA Tournament MVP Jordan Thompson, each recorded two goals. Goalkeeper Joel Dennerley had 10 saves. Matt Sagehorn, JW Krumpholz, and Shea Buckner were NCAA All-Tournament selections. Ben Hohl of UCLA tallied a game-high three goals and earned a spot on the all-tournament first-team.

NCAA CONSOLATION: No. 4 seed Princeton never trailed in an upset over No. 3 seed Loyola Marymount, 6-5. The Tigers finish the year 16-12 overall and picked up their first-ever NCAA Tournament win. Mark Zalewski matched a game-high two goals and would be named to the all-tournament team, along with Matt Hale and Eric Vreeland. Princeton Goalkeeper Mike Merlone had seven saves including one on a penalty shot. LMU goalkeeper Andy Stevens recorded 12 saves

NCAA SEMIFINAL: No. 1 seed and at-large pick USC routed No. 4 seed Princeton, 13-3, to earn a spot in the national title game for a record fifth straight year. The Trojans raced out to an 8-0 lead by halftime. JW Krumpholz recorded a hat trick, while Shea Buckner, Matt Sagehorn, and Jordan Thompson each scored twice for USC. Joel Dennerley tallied 10 saves in the cage.

NCAA SEMIFINAL: No. 2 seed and MPSF Champion UCLA edged No. 3 seed Loyola Marymount, 9-8 in overtime. Cole Consani nailed the game-winner with 37 seconds remaining in OT. NCAA All-Tournament honoree and MPSF Player of the Year Scott Davidson put away a season-high five goals. The Bruins make their first title game appearance since 2004.