Weber State were crowned champions last year after a dramatic 6-round penalty kick shootout. They are back to defend their title. Back to contend again is their finalist counterpart Florida.
So you ask who is here at the tournament? I am here to answer.
Region 1 automatic qualifiers include: Delaware (2009 Consolation Quarterfinalist), Massachusetts (DNP-Did Not Participate in 2009) and Pennsylvania (DNP).
Region 2 automatic qualifiers include: Florida (Finalist), Central Florida (DNP) and North Carolina(Round of 16).
Region 3 automatic qualifiers include: Western Michigan (DNP), Cincinnati (DNP) and Michigan (Semifinalist).
Region 4 automatic qualifiers include: Texas A&M (Quarterfinalist), Texas (Open) and Texas Tech (DNP). Of note Texas Tech returns for the first time since their 2007 final appearance.
Region 5 automatic qualifiers include: Colorado “Gold” (Semifinalist), Colorado State (Round of 16) and Colorado School of Mines (DNP).
Region 6 automatic qualifiers include: UCLA (Open Semifinalist), Arizona (Open Quarterfinalist) and Weber State (Defending Champions).
At-large berths went out to the following: Navy (Region 1; Consolation Finalist), Virginia (Region 2; Quarterfinalist), Northwestern (Region 3; DNP), Missouri (Region 4; Round of 16), Minnesota (Region 5; Round of 16) and Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo “A” (Region 6; Round of 16)
In all 11 of 16 teams who made the knock-out round last year return to compete for the men’s national championship.
It is going to be exciting.
It all begins on Thursday!!!
