The University of San Diego (USD) men’s soccer team is set to compete in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, showcasing the unique opportunities available in college soccer. The Toreros, who hold a record of 13-2-3, will face Grand Canyon University on Sunday at 17:00 local time. This match follows Grand Canyon’s unexpected victory over UCLA, a team that had to win its last five games just to qualify for the tournament.
USD’s success has positioned them as a formidable contender in men’s college soccer. Under the guidance of coach Brian Quinn, the Toreros have achieved a record fourth consecutive West Coast Conference title and are currently ranked No. 3 in the Top Drawer Soccer poll. Quinn noted, “There are opportunities if you get the right set of circumstances,” highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
Mid-Majors Thriving in College Soccer
The NCAA Tournament has become a platform where smaller programs can compete alongside traditional powerhouses. Unlike other sports, men’s soccer allows teams from less prominent conferences to shine. The reigning NCAA champions, the Vermont Catamounts, exemplify this trend, having achieved national recognition alongside other mid-major teams like Marshall and Denver.
The current landscape of college soccer illustrates the effectiveness of these mid-major programs. The latest Top Drawer Soccer poll shows that the top six teams consist of schools from lesser-known conferences, with only nine of the top 25 hailing from power football conferences. This is a stark contrast to men’s basketball and football, where mid-major representation is significantly lower.
As the tournament progresses, USD is joined by other mid-major teams that have made notable advancements, including Hofstra, which eliminated Syracuse, and Western Michigan, which triumphed over Clemson. These results indicate that talent is distributed more evenly across college soccer, fostering a competitive atmosphere where unexpected victories are common.
Investment and Recruitment Strategies
The dynamics of men’s soccer recruiting differ significantly from those of revenue sports. Kimya Massey, USD’s athletic director, commented on the disparity in investment, stating, “You don’t have a dramatic difference in investment in some conferences as others.” This lack of heavy investment from power conferences has allowed mid-major teams to build competitive rosters through international recruitment and transfers.
Many successful programs attract international talent, which has become essential in crafting competitive teams. For instance, Vermont’s recent championship team included six players from Germany, while USD draws from a diverse pool, including athletes from England, Israel, and Brazil. Quinn remarked on the importance of this international recruitment strategy, emphasizing the various options available to programs like USD.
The opportunities for mid-major teams extend beyond talent acquisition. With less emphasis on football, schools in regions where soccer is more popular can invest in building strong soccer programs. Regions such as the Northeast have historically prioritized soccer, which has allowed teams like USD to thrive.
As the tournament unfolds, the format of soccer itself plays a crucial role in allowing smaller programs to compete. The unpredictable nature of the game, characterized by low scores and the potential for dramatic upsets, creates an environment where any team can triumph on any given day. UC Irvine’s coach, Yossi Raz, articulated this sentiment, stating, “In our game, there are a lot of factors that make it a little more even for programs to compete.”
As USD prepares for its upcoming match, the team embodies the spirit of opportunity within men’s college soccer. With a history of success and a commitment to building a competitive program, the Toreros aim to continue their journey in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing the potential for smaller programs to achieve greatness on a national stage.