Memorable Matador Moments - Men's Soccer Advances To Third Round Of NCAA Tournament

In this ongoing feature, GoMatadors.com takes a look back at some of the most memorable moments in CSUN Athletics history. Today, we revisit the 2005 season when the men's soccer team advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—The 2005 CSUN men's soccer season was one for the record books as the Matadors won the program's second Big West title and reached the third round of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament.

Coming off a 2004 NCAA Tournament appearance, CSUN was ranked 22nd in the preseason. The Matadors got off to a hot start, winning the first three matches of the season by a UCSB Celebration 2005 a

combined score of 8-0. Up to No. 19, the Matadors played No. 8 California to a 1-1 tie at the Bears' Cal Legacy Classic.

Now 16th, CSUN suffered its first setback Sept. 11 when the Matadors dropped a 5-0 decision to No. 1 Indiana in round one of the Oregon State Classic five days later. Bouncing back with a 5-3 victory against UNLV the next day, CSUN dropped a 1-0 decision to San Diego on Sept. 21.

The Matadors opened Big West play with a 2-1 victory at UC Riverside Sept. 28. The month of October began with a 3-1 victory against Cal Poly. With a week off, the Matadors resumed action at No. 14 UC Santa Barbara and played the Gauchos to a 2-2 tie. Three days later, CSUN defeated Cal State Fullerton 1-0.

The Matadors returned to the national polls at No. 22 as CSUN stepped out of league play for an Oct. 14 match against No. 9 UCLA in Northridge. The Matadors and the Bruins played to a scoreless tie. Back in Big West play, CSUN rattled off six consecutive victories, climbing to No. 14 in the top 25.

During the streak, the Matadors defeated UC Santa Barbara, now ranked 13th, 1-0. UC Irvine defeated CSUN 2-1 in Irvine Nov. 9 to end the streak. CSUN defeated UC Davis 5-0 to wrap up the regular season and the conference championship.

With the Big West automatic berth in hand, the Matadors received a first-round NCAA Tournament bye. Ranked 15th, CSUN would face UC Santa Barbara for the third time. The Gauchos took a 2-1 lead after 12 minutes. Will Beard tied the score in the 23rd minute before Brian Siu scored the game-winning goal in the 39th minute off a corner kick.

The third round saw the Matadors travel to No. 2 New Mexico. With a spot in the Elite Eight on the line, the Lobos' Jeff Rowland scored 34 seconds into overtime to end the Matadors season with a 15-4-3 record.

Willie Sims 2005

    The honors rolled in for the Matadors. Willie Sims was named first-team All-American, first-team All-Region, and first-team All-Conference. He would
    be selected in the second round of the MLS Draft by the New England Revolution.

    Kevin Guppy was named Big West Goalkeeper of the Year, Big West Freshman of the Year, and first-team All-Conference. Daniel Paladini was
    chosen Big West Midfielder of the Year and first-team All-Conference. Sean Franklin earned first-team All-Conference honors. Five other players
    were chosen second-team All-Conference while one other player was selected honorable mention All-Conference. After reaching as high as 11th
    during the regular season, CSUN was 13th in the final national poll.

~#UniteTheValley~

Willie Sims was named
first-team All-American
in 2005.

California State University Northridge Athletics

Memorable Matador Moments - Men's Soccer Advances To Third Round Of NCAA Tournament

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