PREVIEW: 2019 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship
IRVINE, Calif. – [Schedule | Bracket] The 61st NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship begins Monday, Dec. 2 with Rio Grande (Ohio) facing University of Northwestern Ohio at 1 p.m. CT (11 a.m. PT) at OC Great Park Soccer Stadium. That kicks-off eight games over the first two days of competition, with the quarterfinals taking place on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
The semifinal games are on Friday, Dec. 6, with a champion being crowned after the final game on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. CT (6 p.m. PT).
RELATED: 2019 NAIA Men’s National Championship Bracket | Opening Round presented by Select Soccer Recap
The NAIA Network – the association’s official video-streaming home – will broadcast all final-site matches live in Irvine, Calif. The video platform, powered by Stretch Internet, allows users access to live video, statistics and social interaction on a number of devices, including mobile. Single-day passes can be purchased for $9.95 while an all-tournament package is available for $29.95
2019 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship Final Site Matchups – Round of 16
| Time (CT/PT) | Date | Home Team | Record | Away Team | Record |
| 1 p.m./11 a.m. | Dec. 2 | Rio Grande (Ohio) | 16-3-1 | University of Norhtwestern Ohio | 13-3-6 |
| 3:30 p.m./1:30 p.m. | Dec. 2 | Central Methodist (Mo.) | 21-1-0 | Georgia Gwinnett | 13-3-3 |
| 6 p.m./4 p.m. | Dec. 2 | Mobile (Ala.) | 17-1-2 | Missouri Valley | 14-6-0 |
| 8:30 p.m./6:30 p.m. | Dec. 2 | Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) | 14-3-1 | UC Merced (Calif.) | 16-3-2 |
| 1 p.m./11 a.m. | Dec. 3 | Columbia (Mo.) | 21-0-0 | Baker (Kan.) | 13-6-3 |
| 3:30 p.m./1:30 p.m. | Dec. 3 | Oklahoma Wesleyan | 18-4-0 | Madonna (Mich.) | 15-4-3 |
| 6 p.m./4 p.m. | Dec. 3 | William Carey (Miss.) | 14-0-5 | Spring Arbor (Mich.) | 16-2-2 |
| 8:30 p.m./6:30 p.m. | Dec. 3 | Westmont (Calif.) | 13-2-1 | Hastings (Neb.) | 17-2-3 |
2019 NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship Final Site Notes
- Five teams advanced to the final site with previous national titles including Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), Central Methodist (Mo.), Mobile (Ala.), Hastings (Neb.) and Rio Grande (Ohio).
- Two teams are undefeated on the season upon arriving at the final site. No. 2 overall, Columbia (Mo.) post a current overall record of 21-0-0. While William Carey (Miss.) has a record of 14-0-5.
- Oklahoma Wesleyan brings several statistical leaders to Irvine, California. Including Khesanio Hall who is second nationally in the NAIA in goals with 25. Also on the team is Alberto Picchi is ranked second nationally in points with 60 points. Picchi has 22 goals and 16 assists this season.
- The Eagles are not the only team who will bring top-10 individual leaders to the tournament. Nicolas Cam Orellana of Rio Grande (Ohio) is tied at No. 8 with 22 goals on the year.
- As a team, Oklahoma Wesleyan is No. 1 nationally in total goals with 113, No. 1 in assists with 95 and No. 2 in goals per game with 5.14.
- Who is second in goals this year? No. 1 Central Methodist (Mo.) with 109.
- Meanwhile, Columbia (Mo.) ranks first in goals allowed per game with 0.38 posting 14 shutouts this year. Columbia defeated Embry-Riddle 2-1 in the opening round and will battle Baker (Kan.) Tuesday at 11:00 AM CT/1:00 PM PT.
- All sixteen teams have made it to the national championship at least once in program history. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) leads with 2019 being their 26th national championship appearance. Followed by Mobile (Ala.) and Rio Grande (Ohio) who are both making their 19th appearance.
- Defending national champions, Central Methodist look to earn their second red banner in just their second national championship appearance in history.
