(SAN DIEGO) The magical postseason run continues for PLNU Men's Soccer.
Third-seeded Point Loma advanced to the national quarterfinals for the first time in program history with a 2-1 victory over 10th-seeded UCCS in the NCAA Third Round on Saturday afternoon.
PLNU got off to a perfect start with
Gael Ruiz putting the hosts in front just 16:05 into the match.
Ruiz played a one-two with
Curtis Collazos and skipped past a defender before curling a left-footed shot from outside the box into the back of the net.
Point Loma then doubled its lead early in the second half with
Elijah Langford scoring in the 51st minute with his 12th goal of the season.
Ruiz turned provider this time, dribbling past the UCCS defense and crossing the ball from the left side of the area to Langford at the back post to score with a diving header.
The Sea Lions, ranked No. 16 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll, nearly extended their lead further on multiple occasions, with Mercieca's shot being saved off the line and Niko Kaczmarcyzk hitting the post.
The Mountain Lions, the No. 19 team in the national rankings, managed to get one back in the 78th minute to cut PLNU's lead to 2-1. However, the Sea Lions kept the visitors at bay the rest of the way to book its spot in the final eight of the national tournament.
PLNU outshot UCCS, 19-12, as both teams were making their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament Third Round.
Point Loma (16-3-2 overall) now awaits its quarterfinal matchup against either No. 1 seed Stanislaus State or No. 4 seed Midwestern State.
If Stanislaus State prevails, PLNU will travel next weekend to play in Turlock, but if Midwestern State advances, then Point Loma would host the quarterfinals on the PLNU Soccer Field.
POSTMATCH INTERVIEW
