No. 14 women’s soccer to host Cal State Fullerton


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Moving forward · Senior forward Jamie Fink (left) and junior midfielder Morgan Andrews (right) of the No. 4 seed Women of Troy will host Cal State Fullerton in the first round of the NCAA tournament. - Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Moving forward · Senior forward Jamie Fink (left) and junior midfielder Morgan Andrews (right) of the No. 4 seed Women of Troy will host Cal State Fullerton in the first round of the NCAA tournament. – Photo courtesy of Sports Information

The women’s soccer team finished the regular season with a resounding 2-0 road win over UCLA. Now, head coach Keidane McAlpine and his team must wait to see which team they will face in the NCAA Tournament.

The Women of Troy (14-5-1), ranked No. 14 in the country, are a lock to make the tournament and have quite an opportunity to make a championship run.

The program last captured the national title in 2007, defeating perennial powerhouse Florida State 2-0. That same kind of magical run could happen again this year. Every position group is strong, and through 20 games, there are no visible flaws with this team.

Last year, USC made an appearance in the NCAA tournament but was eliminated in the first round. The Women of Troy fell to Pepperdine on penalty kicks in agonizing fashion. There was nothing separating the Waves from the Trojans after 110 minutes, causing a shootout to ensue.

The NCAA Tournament will commence on Nov. 13 and will conclude on Dec. 6. With so many elite teams taking part, it is safe to call this tournament “November Madness.”

The concept of the tournament is essentially the same as March Madness: win or go home. There is no round robin. There are no second chances.

Sixty-four teams compete, but only two will meet on the pitch at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, for all the marbles.

Florida State took home the hardware last season, defeating ACC foe Virginia 1-0 in the title game. The Women of Troy took on the Seminoles early on this season, barely losing but looking awfully promising.

USC legitimized its reputation by following up a strong showing against the reigning national champs. The team went 9-2 in the conference and defeated talented sides like Washington State and Cal.

The team was superb on the road this season, going 7-3. Also, home-field advantage was very real for USC during this campaign, as the team recorded six wins, one tie and zero losses at Soni McAlister Field.

The team has enjoyed a terrific season, but McAlpine and his players could just be getting started.

The No. 4-seeded Women of Troy will host Cal State Fullerton on Friday at 1 p.m. in the first round of the NCAA tournament.