The MLS Playoffs are in full swing but at the college level, the postseason has only just begun with the start of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament this week.
Local power house UCLA were awarded the No. 2 seed in the tournament earlier this weekend. The Bruins boast a considerable contingent of former LA Galaxy Academy players including goalkeepers Juan Cervantes and Alex Padilla, forward Christian Chavez, defenders Nathan Smith and Javan Torre and midfielders Grady Howe, Brian Iloski and Willie Raygoza. UCLA open up the tournament on Nov. 23 at Drake Stadium in Westwood.
UCLA will play the winner of the first round match between Cal-State Fullerton and University of San Diego which will take place on Nov. 20 at Torero Stadium in San Diego The Big West tournament champion Titans feature four former Galaxy Academy players (midfielder Mark Vasquez, Spencer Johnson, midfielder Ritchie Gonzalez and forward Dyllan Stevens).
On the other side of the bracket, former Galaxy Academy defender Matthew Tilley and UC Irvine will open the tournament at home at Anteater Stadium against UNLV. If the Anteaters defeat the Runnin’ Rebels then they will travel to Palo Alto to face Pac-12 tournament champion Stanford in Palo Alto.
