Men's Soccer | 11/18/2014 2:04:00 PM

2014 St. Edward's Men's Soccer Game Note: NCAA Sweet 16 Edition

2014 NCAA Sweet 16/Elite Eight Tournament Website

2014 NCAA DII Men's Soccer Bracket

Game 20: #8 St. Edward's (16-1-2) vs. Colorado Mesa (16-3-1)
When: November 20, 2013 - 4:00 p.m. (PST)
Where: Seattle, Wash. (Interbay Stadium - Seattle Pacific)
Live Video: Not available
Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/spu/msoc/
All-Time Series: CMU, 1-0
Last Meeting: CMU, 2-0, Sept. 5, 2014 (Grand Junction, Colo.)
Series Streak: CMU, W1
 
THE WIN STREAK
St. Edward's has not been on the losing side of a match since Metro State got the better of them in overtime on Sep. 13th. Since then, the Hilltoppers have gone 15-0-1 and hold an 11-game winning streak.
 
HEARTLAND CONFERENCE DOMINANCE
The Hilltoppers managed a perfect 8-0 record in the Heartland Conference regular season, obtaining the first ever undefeated record in the history of the league. Not only was St. Edward's regular season champions, but they also took the inaugural Heartland Conference Tournament championship as well. Six Hilltoppers were named to this years Heartland Conference First Team. Those selected included forward DANIEL RILEY, midfielders ANDREW FOX and JOSH TAYLOR, defenders COLETON STYMIEST and KYLE PUJATS, and goalkeeper KEVIN LEIB. Defender NATE COONS, was also recognized for his contributions, as he was selected to the All-Heartland Men's Soccer Second Team.
 
WELCOME BACK
1999 marked the last and only time that the St. Edward's Men's Soccer program has captured a post-season berth. Fifteen years later, the team has been invited back to the big dance.
 
FOXTROTTING
St. Edward's has been trotting to the rythm of co-captain ANDREW FOX all season long. Fox led the Heartland Conference in goals (15), assists (9), points (36), and game winning goals (8). The senior standout was named the 2014 Heartland Conference Player of the Year.            
 
DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The St. Edward's defense has been world class all year long. Defensive Player of the Year, COLETON STYMIEST has led the effort, allowing the fewest goals (12) in the Heartland Conference, and defending attacks before the ball makes its way to its goalkeeper, KEVIN LEIB. Leib was called upon fewer times than any goalkeeper in the league, recording 59 saves.
 
LEIB IT TO ME
When shots are surrendered, Leib has been a stone wall in the net. The goalkeeper was selected to the Heartland Conference First Team, and has produced the most shutouts (9) in the conference. His goals against average of 0.62 tops all Heartland Conference goalkeepers, not to mention Leib's save percentage of .826, is also a league best.
 
ROAD WARRIORS
This year's team has competed with true vim and vigor on the road this season, earning a road record of 9-1-1. The boys have had monsterous road wins over perenial powerhouses such as West Texas A&M, Fort Lewis, and drew a tie against No. 18 Midwestern State. Its toughness on the road will certainly pay dividends in this years national tournament.
 
BACK TO BACK TO BACK
Head Coach Brian Young has won his third consecutive Heartland Conference Coach of the Year award. In the midst of his 11th season as head coach, Young has hit 100 wins, and currently sits second all-time in St. Edward's history with 103 victories. Young also holds the highest winning percentage by a Hilltopper Men's Soccer coach with a .567 mark.
 
ESTABLISHING A TRADITION OF SUCCESS
Young's program has now won three consecutive Heartland Conference regular season championships. Over the last three seasons, the Hilltoppers have lost seven games, and won 40. The reputation of the program is evolving as a dominant one and the expectations of the St. Edward's Men's Soccer team is trending upwards.