We’re settling into our off-season routines already. For the Club players, that means weekends away at tournaments, playing with former opponents. For the rest of us, thinking about the holidays and enjoying some old favorites since there is time once again. That doesn’t mean there isn’t soccer to enjoy.

Champions League finishes up group play on Tuesday and Wednesday. 1:30 pm start times on ESPN2, the schedule on the ESPN website doesn’t identify which teams will be shown. I’ll be at Coester’s both days, feel free to join me for a late lunch!

There was plenty of college action this past weekend with one more to go. The Men are down to the Final 4 in Division 1 with all three games scheduled for broadcast.
Friday 4:30 pm – Wake Forest (23-1-1) vs North Carolina (14-7-1) – ESPN2/ESPNU
Friday 7:00 pm – St John’s (19-2-3) vs Maryland (21-3-0) – ESPN2/ESPNU
Sunday 12:00 pm – Final – ESPN2
The times and teams are set, although which game goes first isn’t, so check the bracket page or ESPN for current listings. 3 ACC teams and 1 Big East team as Indiana was beaten by a PK in overtime. Creighton was dominated by Maryland, ending the MVC representative’s run as well.

If you’d like to see some live College ball, mark your calendar for Saturday night at 7:00 pm when the Springfield Demize will open PASL-Premier play at Lake Country Soccer. This is indoor developmental play, like PDL is for outdoor soccer. I’m looking forward to seeing the local boys take on the interlopers.

Cal State Dominguez won the NCAA Division II men’s title, with GLVC representative Northern Kentucky falling the semifinals.

The women’s game was a lot of fun to watch, with Seattle Pacific defeating West Florida 1-0 to win the D2 Women’s title. It required an OT golden goal.

Messiah won the D3 men’s title in PK’s, with goalkeeper Nick Blossey getting the win and Tourney MVP for his play ONLY during the PK’s. The Messiah women’s team also took home the title with a 5-0 drubbing of Wheaton (IL).