2024 WAC Men's Soccer Release - NCAA Championship

SEATTLE U RETURNS TO THE NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP
Seattle U captured its sixth WAC championship in as many appearances in the tournament final, the most of any men’s soccer program in conference history, with a 3-0 win over San Jose State in the 2024 WAC Men’s Soccer Tournament final on Nov. 16 at GCU Stadium in Phoenix. The Redhawks finished 11-5-6 all-time in WAC tournament play. Seattle U held an 18-5 shots advantage over San Jose State, including 9-3 in shots on goal.

THE WAC IN THE NCAA MEN’S SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP
WAC programs have previously reached the third round twice (Seattle U in 2015, Air Force in 2018) and the NCAA quarterfinals on two occasions (Fresno State in 1996, SMU in 1997). WAC programs have advanced at least one round in 10 prior NCAA Men’s Soccer Championships. Seattle U is set to make its seventh NCAA appearance as a WAC member, with a 4-5-1 cumulative record in six prior tournament berths.

SEATTLE U, WASHINGTON MEET AGAIN
Seattle U opens the 2024 NCAA Championship at in-state foe Washington on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. PT. The Redhawks, who have earned a result in 11 of their past 12 matches dating back to Sept. 27, lost a narrow decision to the Huskies by a 2-1 final during the regular season on Sept. 9 at Husky Soccer Stadium in Seattle. In the regular season meeting, Seattle U outshot Washington by a 6-5 margin in shots on goal. All four losses suffered during the regular season by the Redhawks were by matching 2-1 final scores (at Washington, vs. Gonzaga on Sept. 12, at Denver on Sept. 22 and at San Diego State on Oct. 17).

ALVAREZ THE MOP AFTER A STELLAR DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE
Seattle U defender and 2024 WAC Defender of the Year Demian Alvarez continued his solid play on the back line during the WAC tournament, anchoring the Redhawks over two matches on their way to a conference championship. Alvarez was one of six Seattle U players named to the all-tournament team and was selected as the 2024 WAC Most Outstanding Player, the first primary defender to win the award in tournament history. Seattle U limited tournament opponents to just 15 total shots.