The Kingsmen soccer team ended their postseason play on Nov. 16 against No. 7 ranked Trinity University. The team from San Antonio, Tex. beat California Lutheran University 2-0 at McGinley Soccer Field in their 15th NCAA Division III Tournament appearance. Although it was a heartbreaking loss for the Kingsmen, the experience of being there was just as rewarding.

“It’s a great feeling to have been able to represent the school at the NCAA tournament. It’s particularly awesome if you look back at where the team came from because the junior class and senior class had to struggle through some pretty ugly years before this,” said sophomore midfielder David Lee.

The team struggled without the presence of senior defender Jimmy Carter, who according to Lee, “was a huge addition to the defense in terms of leadership and tenacity after Alex Wardle’s injury.”

CLU fell behind early when Jonny Lawson of the Trinity Tigers scored a goal in the 13th minute. The Kingsmen tried to tie the game with two corner kicks, but both were blocked. Strong attacks were made by junior midfielder Salvador Orozco and sophomore midfielders Logan Cone and Nathan Davidson, but to no avail. The score remained 1-0 going into halftime.

The Tigers doubled their lead when they scored again, 14 minutes into the second half.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jack Duncan did his best to keep CLU within striking distance, with numerous saves following the second goal.

“Jack stepped up every game and his huge saves kept us in it this season and allowed us to get this far,” said junior forward Matt Hubbard.

Duncan had a total of 14 saves in the game, 12 of which were in the second half.

“Jack was our savior in the net. Him saving a penalty kick put us through to this tournament,” said Graduate Assistant Patrick McCoy, who played for the Kingsmen soccer team in his four years at CLU.

With less than ten minutes in the game, the team had three big chances to make a comeback. A free kick from Orozco 40 yards out hit the crossbar. Junior midfielder Julian Hernandez had a shot, but kicked it too wide. Junior forward Cameron Rude also had an attempt at a goal, but it was blocked by the Tiger’s goalkeeper.

Although the soccer careers of six seniors ended this game, the team does not take this experience for granted.

“It’s been 18 years since our last appearance in the NCAA tournament and because of the work that they have put in, not only during the season, but in the offseason as well, it is deserved that they were able to play in the game,” McCoy said.

The Kingsmen finished their season 13-7-2.

“As a team, we made a lot of progress from last season,” said senior forward Kyle Fleming. “Our main objective was to make it to the NCAA tournament, which we achieved. Making it to the tournament was an experience none of us will forget.”

Caitlin Dimmitt
Staff Writer
Published Nov. 20, 2013