MIAC Soccer Season Concludes – Playoffs Set

The MIAC regular season has concluded for both the men and women.

The Men’s season concluded in dramatic fashion with the last game of the season between St. Olaf and Carleton bouncing one team out of the playoffs and allowing another to squeak their way in.

Carleton Men’s program had a successful season when many thought it might be a rebuilding year for the team. The Knights made their way to the Sweet 16 of NCAA D-III tournament last year. Carleton finished their regular season with a conference record of 8-2 and 24 points.

Trailing right behind with 21 points was Macalester, who would not have made the playoffs if not for a dramatic overtime win last Friday against Hamline at the Pipers home field. Mac had a 7-3-0 conference record.

In third place was St. Olaf, also with a 7-3-0 conference record and 21 points. St. Olaf’s fate came down to the final day of the season on Sunday when they played the first place Carleton Knights in a hometown rivalry. The game had been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to a muddy field. The postponement meant the game would be played on Sunday instead, increasing the drama as St. Thomas had beaten St. Mary’s in convincing fashion, 7-1 and Gustavus defeated Augsburg 1-0 in a close game. Both those game took place on Saturday.

With the Oles knowing that nothing but a win could get them through to the playoffs, the pressure was on. But St. Olaf lived up to their #24 National ranking and defeated the Knights 2-0. The win put St. Olaf into the #3 spot and wins them a playoff game tomorrow against Macalester away. Those two teams meet at 7:30 pm.

Carleton will host St. Thomas tomorrow at 2:00 pm.

The winners will play on Saturday, November 7, 2009
Finals Semifinal Winners @ Highest Seed, Time TBA

The MIAC Women’s Soccer season is also over with the top four teams decided and on their way to the MIAC playoffs.

Concordia finished 1st in MIAC with an amazing 10-0-1 conference record and an even more amazing 16-0-1 overall record. The 1st place finish is the third time the team has finished atop the standings in the last 4 years.

The Cobbers, who are ranked #7 in the nation for D–III schools, have been led by Sam Johnson who has 20 goals on the season.

Concordia has not only been good on the attack but have had a stingy defense as well. The Cobbers have outscored their opponents 51-9.

St. Thomas finished 2nd in the standings with a respectable 8-2-1 conference record followed by Macalester at 7-3-1 and Carleton at 6-2-3. Carleton won the tournament last season and made it all the way to the final 8 in the NSCAA tournament last fall.

Playoffs start today for the 4 teams.
Concordia hosts Carleton at 2:00 p.m. today
St. Thomas will host Macalester also at 2:00 pm

The winners will play on Saturday, November 7, 2009
Finals Semifinal Winners @ Highest Seed, Time TBA