NCAA Division I Update – Represent Springfield Soccer

Time to get caught up on a few things college soccer related and we’ll start with D1 ball. Springfield has a small contingent of Division I players outside of the familiar faces on the Missouri State Bears. One was fortunate to reach the NCAA Tournament this season:

Denver University Pioneers – Ross Chaffin (Greenwood) – The University of Denver men’s soccer team fell to No. 17 UC Davis 4-0 in the First Round of the NCAA National Tournament.

University of Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks – Sophie Cox (Rolla 2006) – was one of only five players to start and play in all 19 games for the rapidly improving program. The Skyhawks reached new heights as a program on the field, with the season culminating in an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Finals appearance, while setting a records with their 10-5-4 season produced in 2008. Sophie scored 2 goals and provide 3 assists for 7 points, in the Top 5 for the squad.

Rice Owls – Chealsey Russell (Kickapoo) – The Rice soccer team could not bounce back from an early deficit and fell to UCF by a final score of 2-1 in the opening round of the 2008 C-USA Championship Tournament. The Team finished 10-9 and Chealsey played in 10 of them, starting 5 once she overcame early season injuries.

Oral Roberts Golden Eagles – Joe Cales (College Heights) – Joe completes his college career at ORU playing in 5 games this season, with 1 start. The Golden Eagles finished 6-9-2 and 2-3-1 in the Summit Conference.

Southern Methodist Mustangs – Tyler Williams (Kickapoo) – The Mustangs lost 0-2 to South Carolina in the Quarterfinals of the Conference USA Tournament this year, missing out on an NCAA bid. They finished 10-6-2 on the season, their first under Tim McClements who replaced Schellas Hyndman who now coaches FC Dallas.