D2 Softball – 3/31

3/30 Review

Atlantic Region

(#1) Lock Haven @ (#3) California (Pa.) – PSAC GOTW & GOTD – Lock Haven wins 1-0 (8), 3-0

This lived up to it’s billing as the game of the day.  7 scoreless innings between the teams before Lock Haven scored in the top of the 8th on a wild pitch.  California (Pa.) loses their first two conference games of the year.

Shippensburg @ (#2) Kutztown – Kutztown wins 4-1, 9-1.

Kutztown continues their hot play, now winners of 20 of 21, and now has a 3 game lead on Shippensburg. The first game was tied 1-1 heading to the bottom of the 7th, but Kutztown’s Ashley Fitzferald hit a 3-run walkoff homerun to win the game.

East Region

(#3) C.W. Post @ (#4) Queens (N.Y.) – ECC GOTW – Queens wins 4-3, loses 11-2

Queens won game one in dramatic fashion.  Down 3-2 entering the bottom of the 7th, Queens used 2 HRs, one from Katie Miracco and a walk-off shot from Christina Colon, to win the game 4-3.  C.W. Post responded nicely though in the second game, winning 11-2 to get the split.

Midwest Region

(#6) Grand Valley State @ (#1) Ferris State – GLIAC GOTW – Ferris State wins 3-2, 6-1

The first game lived up to all the billing. Ferris took the lead in the 1st, but was tied in the 4th.  The pitchers took over after that and the game was 1-1 going to the 10th. Starting in the 10th inning, each team starts the inning with a runner at 2nd base. Grand Valley scored in the top of the 10th, and Ferris tied it with 2 outs in the 10th.  In the 11th Ferris won it on a double by Rachel Wade.  Great start to GLIAC play for Ferris State.

South Region

(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#6) West Alabama – Gulf South Conference (GSC) GOTW – Alabama Huntsville wins 16-4, 4-1.

I forgot to mention this one yesterday. Big game for West Alabama who is behind in the standings, but could move into a tie with Alabama Huntsville with a sweep.  Unfortunately it was not meant to be and Alabama Huntsville showed why they are the #1 team in the region (and #2) nationally with a dominant sweep.

Southeast Region

(#6) Francis Marion @ Columbus State – Francis Marrion wins 2-0, loses 5-6

Game 2 proved quite exciting as Columbus State broke open a 3-3 game in the bottom of the 6th with 3 runs.  Then in the top of the 7th Francis Marion came storming back to get within 1, but saw the tieing run thrown out at the plate after a wild throw in from the outfield got the runner at 3rd to go for home.  The split means the teams stay tied in the league standings, but both teams trail 1st place North Georgia by a large margin (3 games).

3/31 Preview

These are the big games around the country tomorrow..

Atlantic Region

(#2) Kutztown @ (#4) West Chester – Game of the Day

Coming off a home sweep of Shippensburg, Kutztown will be challenged at West Chester. This is another intradivision game.  Kutztown would take a strong lead in the division if they can get to 8-0 with a sweep.  Game of the Day here with

(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Gannon

After getting swept by the top team in the region California (Pa.) has no margin for error on the road at Gannon.  Gannon is looking to move up the standings as they entered the week at 4th in the division.

Mansfield @ (#6) Indiana (Pa.)

Indiana (Pa.) started off the conference season 0-2 and are currently looking up at Mansfield.  A sweep here would be a good way to start moving up the standings.

East Region

Bridgeport @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology

Bridgeport started off the conference schedule at 2-0, but will be tested here in a tough matchup with NYIT.

Dowling @ (#10) Adelphi

Dowling also started off 2-0, but they will travel to an Adelphi team that is looking to move up the regional rankings into the playoffs.

(#8) American International @ New Haven

Despite being ranked #8 in the region, American International started off the conference season 1-3.  New Haven is 2-0, so this is a chance for American International to pick up some ground.  A sweep here by New Haven would be a major blow to American International’s Northeast-10 Title chances early on.

South Region

(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern

A matchup of two teams in the middle of the Sunshine State standings.  Saint Leo is 5-4 and Florida Southern is 6-3.  Saint Leo has a chance here to pick ups ome wins to try ot jump into the top 8.

Southeast Region

(#8) Augusta State @ Queens (N.C.)

In a non-conference matchup, Queens (N.C.), the top team in the Conference Carolinas has a chance to pick up a win over a ranked team from the Peach Belt Conference.  The Conference Carolinas tournament winner will make the postseason, and Queens (N.C.) stands almost no chance of getting an at-large build, but if they are going to keep any hope alive this is a must sweep in my mind.

West Region

Hawaii Hilo @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus

In a non-conference tilt, Hawaii Hilo, who has a respectable 17-14 record has a chance to pick up some nice wins at Cal State Stanislaus.  Most of the top teams in the region will be facing off this weekend in the Tournament of Champions. Hilo is invited but will only get to face one ranked opponent, so this is a big chance for them on Tuesday.

CFU Club Championship 2009 Update – 3-30

Well Tempête and Alpha United didn’t play today as their match was postponed for a week until April 5th.

AS Cavaly and Britannia are still played today, to the result of a 1-0 Cavaly win, advancing them 6-0 on aggregate.  They take on W Connection of Trinidad and Tobago in the next round.

Hoppers apparently beat Sevilla Bayamón 2-0 to advance to the 2nd round. (Also here) Apparently Sevilla was up 3-1 in that first game, gave up 2 goals in the final 20 minutes to only get a draw, and then gave up 2 goals today to get knocked out.  Disappointing for sure.

So Hoppers now has to wait to see if they will face Tempête or Alpha United in the next round.

Check out The Puerto Rico Islanders Offside for more info on the CFU Championship

D2 Softball – 3/30 Preview

These are the big games around the country tomorrow..

Atlantic Region

• (#1) Lock Haven @ (#3) California (Pa.) – March 30^th – Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Game of the Week (GOTW)
• Shippensburg @ (#2) Kutztown – March 30^th

In the PSAC Game of the Week, the #1 team in the Atlantic Region will travel to the #3 California (Pa.).  California is 4-0 in conference and atop the West division, while Lock Haven is 2-0 in conference and in 2nd in the Central Division.  This is a big time matchup, the teams are a combined 42-6 on the year.  Game of the Day nationally (#9 and #15 in the National Rankings).

In another big game, Shippensburg, who despite a 15-11 record, including 3-1 in conference, isn’t ranked in the region, heads to Kutztown to take on the #2 team in the region.  Kutztown leads the East Division at 4-0, while Shippensburg is 3-1.  This is a great chance for Shippensburg to try and build a resume for the postseason.

East Region

• (#3) C.W. Post @ (#4) Queens (N.Y.) – March 30^th – East Coast Conference GOTW

In the ECC Game of the Week, the #3 team in the East Region, C.W. Post, will travel to take on the #4 team in the Midwest Region, Queens (N.Y.). This matchup also has conference implications.  Queens is 2-2 in confernce, while C.W. Post is 2-0.  Post would love to extend the margin between these two early on.

Midwest Region

• (#6) Grand Valley State @ (#1) Ferris State – March 30^th – Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) GOTW

In the GLIAC Game of the Week, the #6 team in the Midwest region, Grand Valley State, will travle to the #1 team in the Midwest Region, Ferris State.  This will be Ferris’ first conference series, while Grand Valley State is off to a 2-0 start.  Ferris has started well, but they’ll be faced with tough competition for the rest of the season, starting today.

Southeast Region

• (#6) Francis Marion @ Columbus State – March 30^th

In a Peach Belt Conference game, Columbus State hosts Southest Region #6 Francis Marrion.  Columbus State is hanging around at 21-22 (5-5) and would love to move up a few spots to try and sneak into the rankings.  This is a big chance for them to pick up a win as Francis Marion is 24-11 (6-6).

2009 D2 Softball Update – 3/29

Atlantic Region

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Eastern Division
Virginia State – 2-4 (2-0)
Bowie State – 6-4 (5-1)
Elizabeth City State – 3-7 (3-1)

Western Division
Shaw University – 2-6 (2-0)
St. Augustine’s – 2-6 (2-0)
Fayetteville State – 11-22 (5-1)

Big Games:
St. Augustine’s @ Fayetteville State – April 1st
Elizabeth City State @ Shaw – April 2nd
Shaw @ Fayetteville State – April 3rd
Virginia State @ Bowie State – April 4th- GOTW

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
East
(#2) Kutztown – 28-6 (4-0)
Shippensburg – 15-11 (3-1)
(#4) West Chester – 19-7 (1-1)
(#9) East Stroudsburg – 12-11 (1-5)

Central
(#5) Bloomsburg – 17-3 (4-0)
(#1) Lock Haven – 20-4 (2-0)
Mansfield – 10-10 (2-2)
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) – 13-9 (0-2)

West
(#3) California (Pa.) – 22-2 (4-0)
(#7) Edinboro – 18-11 (2-2)
Slippery Rock – 13-13 (2-2)
(#8) Gannon – 13-10 (0-2)

Big Games:
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#3) California (Pa.) – March 30th – GOTW
Shippensburg @ (#2) Kutztown – March 30th
(#2) Kutztown @ (#4) West Chester – March 31st
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Gannon – March 31st
Mansfield @ (#6) Indiana (Pa.) – March 31st
(#4) West Chester @ Shippensburg – April 1st
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#1) Lock Haven – April 1st
Shippensburg @ (#4) West Chester – April 3rd
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) Bloomsburg – April 3rd
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#7) Edinboro – April 3rd
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#9) East Stroudsburg – April 4th
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#4) West Chester – April 4th
Mansfield @ Shippensburg – April 4th
(#5) Bloomsburg @ (#2) Kutztown – April 4th
Slippery Rock @ (#7) Edinboro – April 4th

West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(#10) West Virginia Wesleyan – 18-11 (6-0)
Seton Hill – 14-9 (6-2)
Shepherd – 10-9 (6-2)
Wheeling Jesuit – 9-12 (3-1)
Alderson-Broaddus – 8-15 (3-1)

Big Games:
Wheeling Jesuit @ Alderson-Broaddus – April 5th – GOTW

Central Region

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
(#1) Winona State – 22-5 (2-0)
(#10) Upper Iowa – 11-7 (2-0)
(#5) Wayne State (Neb.) – 17-11 (2-0)
Augustana – 7-16 (2-0)
(#9) Concordia St. Paul – 18-14 (2-2)
(#4) Minnesota State Mankato – 19-5 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#5) Wayne State (Neb.) @ (#1) Winona State – April 1st – GOTW
Augustana @ (#10) Upper Iowa – April 1st
Augustana @ (#5) Wayne State (Neb.) – April 5th

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
East
(#2) Metro State – 26-6 (19-3)
(#6) Regis – 24-15 (16-8)
(#3) Colorado School of Mines – 21-14 (13-7)

West
(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo – 20-10 (14-6)
(#8) Adams State – 13-10 (12-6)

Big Games:
(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo @ (#2) Metro State – April 3rd – GOTW
(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State) – April 4th
(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – April 4th
(#6) Regis vs. (#8) Adams State (@ Metro State) – April 5th

East Region

Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
Caldwell – 11-7 (8-0)
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) – 15-6 (7-1)
(#7) Bloomfield – 14-5 (5-1)
(#2) Georgian Court – 17-7 (5-1)

Big Games:
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) @ Caldwell – April 1st
Caldwell @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – April 2nd
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) New York Institute of Technology Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y. (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th – GOTW

East Coast Conference
(#5) New York Institute of Technology – 19-13 (4-0)
(#3) C.W. Post – 10-8 (2-0)
Dowling – 11-11 (2-0)
Bridgeport – 5-11 (2-0)
(#4) Queens (N.Y.) – 11-5 (2-2)
(#10) Adelphi – 10-6 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#3) C.W. Post @ (#4) Queens (N.Y.) – March 30th – GOTW
Bridgeport @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – March 31st
Dowling @ (#10) Adelphi – March 31st
Bridgeport @ Dowling – April 2nd
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Dowling vs. (#9) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#5) New York Institute of Technology vs. Bridgeport (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Dowling vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) New York Institute of Technology (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Bridgeport vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Dowling vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
Dowling vs. (#9) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
Bridgeport vs. (#9) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
(#5) New York Institute of Technology vs. Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
Bridgeport vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th

Northeast-10 Conference
(#6) Southern Connecticut State – 15-3 (4-0)
Merrimack – 11-5 (4-0)
(#1) Le Moyne – 14-6 (2-0)
New Haven – 9-5 (2-0)
Assumption – 8-10 (2-0)
(#8) American International – 9-9 (1-3)

Big Games:
(#8) American International @ New Haven – March 31st
(#1) Le Moyne @ New Haven – April 1st – GOTW
(#1) Le Moyne @ Assumption – April 2nd
(#8) American International @ Assumption – April 4th
Merrimack @ (#1) Le Moyne – April 5th

Midwest Region

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(#5) Ashland – 18-6 (6-0)
(#9) Saginaw Valley State – 17-5 (4-0)
(#6) Grand Valley State – 22-5 (2-0)
(#4) Wayne State (Mich.) – 15-7 (2-0)
(#1) Ferris State – 14-2 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#6) Grand Valley State @ (#1) Ferris State – March 30th – GOTW
(#4) Wayne State (Mich.) @ (#5) Ashland – April 1st
(#1) Ferris State @ (#9) Saginaw Valley State – April 1st

Great Lakes Valley Conference
(#7) Indianapolis – 17-11 (9-3)
(#3) Missouri-St. Louis – 20-13 (6-2)
Quincy – 12-18 (3-1)
(#2) Lewis – 23-10 (5-3)
(#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – 11-13 (5-5)
(#8) Northern Kentucky – 13-15 (3-5)

Big Games:
(#3) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#2) Lewis – April 4th – GOTW
(#7) Indianapolis @ Quincy – April 5th
(#3) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – April 5th

South Region

Gulf South Conference
East
(#5) Valdosta State – 29-5 (5-1)
(#1) Alabama Huntsville – 24-2 (3-1)
(#2) West Florida – 30-7 (5-3)
(#6) West Alabama – 29-5 (3-3)

West
Arkansas Tech – 24-14 (9-3)
Delta State – 17-10 (6-2)
(#10) – Arkansas-Monticello 24-3 (3-1)

Big Games:
(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#6) West Alabama – March 30th – GOTW
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 2nd
(#6) West Alabama vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 2nd
(#2) West Florida vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 2nd
(#2) West Florida vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#5) Valdosta State vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#6) West Alabama vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#2) West Florida vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#6) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 5th

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
East
Fort Valley State – 15-13 (4-0)
Albany State – 11-15 (4-0)

West
Miles – 5-4 (1-0)
Kentucky State – 9-11 (4-2)

Big Games:
Fort Valley State @ Albany State – April 1st – GOTW
Miles @ Kentucky State – April 5th

Sunshine State Conference
(#8) Tampa – 21-6 (8-2)
Barry – 22-10 (7-2)
(#7) Nova Southeastern – 36-9 (9-4)
(#3) Florida Southern – 28-10 (6-3)
(#9) Saint Leo – 26-14 (5-4)
(#4) Rollins – 30-5 (3-4)

Big Games:
(#4) Rollins @ (#7) Nova Southeastern – March 30th – GOTW
(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern – March 31st
(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern – April 1st
(#3) Florida Southern @ Barry – April 3rd
(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – April 4th
(#3) Florida Southern @ Barry – April 4th
(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – April 5th

South Central Region

Heartland Conference
St. Edwards – 24-17 (13-3)
Incarnate Word – 20-19 (13-3)
St. Mary’s – 20-23 (12-4)
Texas A&M International – 22-16 (11-5)

Big Games:
St. Mary’s @ Texas A&M International – April 3rd
St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – April 3rd – GOTW
St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – April 4th

Lone Star Conference
North
(#1) Southeastern Oklahoma State – 38-7 (9-1)
(#9) Central Oklahoma – 18-10 (11-3)
(#5) Midwestern State – 22-10 (8-4)
Cameron – 23-15 (8-4)

South
(#3) Abilene Christian – 30-9 (8-1)
(#2) Angelo State – 30-4 (6-2)
Tarleton State – 20-15 (5-4)
(#4) West Texas A&M – 27-14 (6-5)

Big Games:
(#5) Midwestern State @ Cameron – April 1st
(#4) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – April 3rd
(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#2) Angelo State – April 3rd -GOTW
(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#2) Angelo State – April 4tth
(#4) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – April 4th
Cameron @ (#5) Midwestern State – April 4th

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
(#6) Missouri Western – 25-4 (0-0)
(#7) Nebraska-Omaha – 22-5 (0-0)
(#8) Emporia State – 17-8 (0-0)
(#10) Central Missouri – 15-7 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#8) Emporia State @ (#7) Nebraska-Omaha – April 3rd – GOTW

Southeast Region

Conference Carolinas
Queens (N.C.) – 13-14 (4-0)
Erksine – 16-12 (3-1)
Pfeiffer – 19-11 (6-4)
Mount Olive – 17-16-1 (6-4)

Big Games:
(#8) Augusta State @ Queens (N.C.) – March 31st
(#4) Georgia College @ Queens (N.C.) – April 3rd
Pfeiffer @ (#2) Lenoir-Rhyne – April 5th – GOTW

Peach Belt Conference
(#1) North Georgia – 29-3 (7-1)
(#4) Georgia College – 20-14 (10-2)
(#3) South Carolina Aiken – 26-11 (8-6)
(#6) Francis Marion – 24-11 (6-6)
(#8) Augusta State – 22-15 (5-5)
Columbus State -21-22 (5-5)

Big Games:
(#6) Francis Marion @ Columbus State – March 30th
(#1) North Georgia @ (#4) Georgia College – April 1st – GOTW
(#1) North Georgia @ (#6) Francis Marion – April 4th

South Atlantic Conference
(#7) Newberry – 23-6 (4-0)
(#9) Catawba – 15-11 (2-0)
(#2) Lenoir-Rhyne – 24-5 (4-2)
(#5) Wingate – 19-10-1 (4-2)
Mars Hill – 15-13 (4-2)
(#10) Lincoln Memorial – 14-12 (1-3)

Big Games:
(#2) Lenoir-Rhyne @ Mars Hill – April 1st
(#9) Catawba @ (#5) Wingate – April 1st – GOTW
(#5) Wingate @ (#10) Lincoln Memorial – April 4th
(#7) Newberry @ (#9) Catawba – April 4th

West Region

California Collegiate Athletic Association
(#1) Humboldt State – 25-8 (17-7)
(#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills – 23-13 (13-7)
(#8) UC San Diego – 18-12 (12-7)
Cal State Monterey Bay – 18-20-1 (12-8)
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus – 16-10 (11-9)
(#5) Sonoma State – 20-16 (11-12)

Big Games:
(#2) Hawaii Pacific @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – April 1st
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd – GOTW
(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
Cal State Monterey Bay vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#10) Cal State Dominquez Hills vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th

Great Northwest Athletic Conference
(#4) Montana State-Billings – 24-10 (15-5)
(#9) Central Washington – 13-8 (11-5)
Western Oregon – 12-8 (12-8)

Big Games:
Western Oregon vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#9) Central Washington vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th – GOTW

Pacific West Conference
(#2) Hawaii Pacific – 25-5 (13-3)
(#3) Dixie State – 28-6 (17-5)
(#7) Grand Canyon – 27-17 (10-7)
Hawaii Hilo – 17-14 (10-7)

Big Games:
Hawaii Hilo @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – March 31st
(#2) Hawaii Pacific @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – April 1st
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#6) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd – GOTW
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#5) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#6) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#5) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#6) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
Hawaii Hilo vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#5) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th

CONCACAF Champions League 2009-2010 Qualifying

Qualifying is underway for the CONCACAF Champions League, 2009-2010 Version!  The former Champions Cup has transitioned to the Champions League, and everything is falling into the time frames that will work for the future.  24 teams will qualify for the Champions League, and 11 of those are already in.  So let’s take a look at the contenders for those final 13 spots.  The first games of the actual Champions League will be the week of July 28th .

USA

USA did all of their qualifying by results from the 2008 MLS Season, and the U.S. Open Cup.  The Columbus Crew qualified ast the MLS Cup 2008 Winner, with the New York Red Bulls qualifying as the runner-up.  The Crew were also the Supporters’ Shield winner, so the Houston Dynamo qualified as the runner-up.  Finally D.C. United Qualified as the U.S. Open Cup winner.   Columbus and Houston will be in the group stage, while New York and D.C. will be in the preliminary round.

Mexico

Mexico will qualify the top 2 finishers in Clausura 2009 (The Spring season in Mexico).  Deportivo Toluca (group stage) and Cruz Azul (preliminary stage) are already in thanks to their finishes in the Apertura 2008.  The Clausura ends in a playoff where the top 2 finishers will be determined.  The top 8 teams make the playoff.  It appears that if Deportivo Toluca or Cruz Azul were to make the playoff final, the highest finisher in the regular season of Clausura 2009 would qualify.  Anyways, after 11 of 17 rounds in the Clausura, the top 8 are Deportivo Toluca, Pachuca, Puebla, Chiapas, Monterrey, Universidad Nacional, Atlas, and San Luis F.C.  If form holds, Pachuca and Puebla would be the top 2 teams favored to qualify.  Cruz Azul is in 13th place, and looks like they won’t be a factor.  The Clausura is scheduled to end May 10th, with the playoffs being played between May 13th and May 31st.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica will qualify the top finisher in Verano 2009, joining the winner of Invierno 2008 (Saprissa).  Much like in Mexico’s Primera División, Costa Rica’s Primera División ends in a playoff.  The winner of the Verano 2009 will take on Saprissa in a 2 game playoff with the winner entering the group stage and the loser entering the preliminary stage.  If Saprissa should win Verano 2009, they would take the group slot and the team with the best overall record (other than Saprissa) in the Verano 2009 regular season would qualify.  At this point after 11 of 16 rounds, Saprissa, Liberia Mia, Pérez Zeledón, AD Ramonense, CS Herediano, and Puntarenas F.C would make the playoff, with Saprissa favored to win the playoff and CS Herediano to grab the 2nd Champions League spot.  The Verano is scheduled to end May 3rd with the playoffs running from May 6th until May 31st.

Honduras

Honduras will qualify the winner of the playoff following their Apertura and Clausura, with the winners facing in a two-game playoff to determine who qualifies for the group stage. Marathon qualified as the winner of the Liga Nacional’s 2008 Apertura season.  The playoff in Honduras is amongst the top 4 teams.  After 13 of 18 rounds, Olimpia, Real España, Marathón, and Victoria are in qualifying position.  Olimpia is the favorite to get the 2nd qualifying spot.   The Regular season will end May 2nd, with the playoffs after that.

Guatemala

Guatemala will qualify the winner of the playoff following their Apertura and Clausura, with the winners facing in a two-game playoff to determine who qualifies for the group stage. Municipal qualified as the winner of the Liga Nacional’s 2008 Apertura season. The playoff in Guatemala is amongst the top 6 teams.  After 8 of 18 rounds, Jalapa, Deportivo Heredia, Club Xelajú MC, Deportivo Zacapa, Deportivo Xinabajul, and Municipal are in qualifying position.  Jalapa and Deportivo Heredia are the favorites to get the 2nd qualifying spot.   The Regular season will end May 24th, with the playoffs after that.

Guatemala

Guatemala will qualify the winner of the playoff following their Apertura and Clausura, with the winners facing in a two-game playoff to determine who qualifies for the group stage. Municipal qualified as the winner of the Liga Nacional’s 2008 Apertura season. The playoff in Guatemala is amongst the top 6 teams.  After 8 of 18 rounds, Jalapa, Deportivo Heredia, Club Xelajú MC, Deportivo Zacapa, Deportivo Xinabajul, and Municipal are in qualifying position.  Jalapa and Deportivo Heredia are the favorites to get the 2nd qualifying spot.   The Regular season will end May 24th, with the playoffs after that.

El Salvador

El Salvador will qualify the winner of the playoff following their Apertura and Clausura, with the winners facing in a two-game playoff to determine who qualifies for the group stage. Isidro Metapán qualified as the winner of the Liga Mayor’s 2008 Apertura season. The playoff in El Salvador is amongst the top 4 teams.  After 10 of 18 rounds, Isidro Metapán, Luis Angel Firpo, Nejapa, and Chalatenango are in qualifying position.  Isidro Metapán is the favorite to win the playoff, and Luis Angel Firpo is in position to get the 2nd qualifying spot.   The Regular season will end in May, with the playoffs after that.  It all should be wrapped up on May 31st.

Panama

Panama will qualify the winner of the playoff following their Apertura and Clausura, with the winners facing in a two-game playoff to determine who qualifies for the group stage. Árabe Unido qualified as the winner of the Liga Profesional’s 2008 Apertura season. The playoff in Panama is amongst the top 4 teams.  After 4 of 18 rounds, Tauro FC, Atlético Chiriqui, Chorrillo F.C. , and Atlético Veragüense are in qualifying position.  Tauro FC is the favorite to win the playoff, and Árabe Unido is in 8th place at this point.   The Regular season will end in May, with the playoffs after that.  It all should be wrapped up on May 31st.

Belize

Belize only gets one spot, which works well since the league only has one season.  There are 10 teams in the league, according to wikipedia, but since nothing has been updated and belize’s website is… obselete and outdated, I have no idea what’s going on here. Last time the qualifier was Hankook Verdes, so maybe they are the favorites again… hard to say if we’ll know anything about what’s going on anytime soon.

Nicaragua

Like Belize, Nicaragua only gets one spot.  That said, I’ve actually been able to find out a few things about their football situation!  Real Estelí won the Apertura 2008, and then Clausura 2009 began with 10 teams.  They played a single round robin, and the top 6 moved on to a Hexagonal.  Real Estelí was on top of the table for the Clausura 2009, with Xilotepetl, Deportivo Walter Ferreti, Deportivo Masatepe, Real Madriz FC, and Diriangén FC also qualifying for the Hexagonal.  The top 4 teams in the Hexagonal are going to move on to the Semfinals (which will either be two pairs, or another round robin tournament… If Real Estelí wins the Clausura they will qualify for the Champions League. If they don’t win, they will face off in a two-leg playoff for the spot with the Clausura 2009 champion.

Canada

Like Belize and Nicaragua, Canada only gets one spot.  Unlike Belize and Nicaragua, Canada doesn’t actually have a National League that amounts to anything.  The teams in Canada’s Soccer Legue (the Canadian Soccer League) don’t even get a chance to qualify, it’s just not possible.  Instead, Canada runs a tournament involving three clubs (Toronto FC of MLS, Montreal Impact of USL-1, and Vancouver Whitecaps of USL-1).  All teams will play each other home and away, and the winner of the tournament will represent Canada in the Champions League.  The Montreal Impact won the first Canadian Championship last year.  Things start off on May 6th when Toronto hosts Vancouver, and ends on June 17th when Montreal hosts Toronto.

Caribbean Football Union

The Caribbean clubs get 3 spots, which they determine via the CFU Club Championship. So 12 teams qualified for the 2009 Championship.  How did you qualify?  You signed up.  That’s right, you basically just signed up.  2 Teams withdrew the day before the draw, and many countries just didn’t bother to sign up.  Interesting. 1 team got a buy into the 2nd round (San Juan Jabloteh) and one team got a buy into the 3rd round (Puerto Rico Islanders of USL-1 who are still alive in the 2008-2009 Champions League!).  In Round 1, 2 matchups are complete. W Connection or Trinidad and Tabago defeating Centre Bath Estate of Dominica 17-1 on aggregate… yikes.  Apparently Centre Bath Estate might have wanted to withdraw before the tournament. Inter Moengotapoe of Suriname defeated CSD Barber of Netherlands Antilles 3-2 on aggregate.  Moengotapoe won 3-1 on the road before losing 1-0 at home.  Inter Moengotapoe will face San Juan Jabloteh in the 2nd round.  In other first round matchups, Hoppers of Antigua and Barbuda and Sevilla Bayamón of Puerto Rico tied 3-3 in Puerto Rico.  They will play their 2nd leg today.  Hoppers will probably advance in a tie, so Sevilla will need to outscore them on the road to advance.  They could also tie 3-3 to send it to PKs or tie 4-4 to advance. Tempête of Haiti anda Alpha United of Guyana tied 1-1 in Guyana.  They play today in Haiti. Alpha United must score or they will be eliminated. They will advance with a win or a tie of 2-2 or greater.  If they tie 1-1 they will go to PKs, while a 0-0 tie will advance Tempête.  The winner of these last two matchups will meet in round two.  In the final first round matchup Britannia of Aruba will host AS Cavaly of Haiti on Monday.  AS Cavaly won 5-0 at home, so they should be good to advance.  Britannia would need to win by atleast 6 goals (7 if Cavaly scores) to move on.  A 5-0 Britannia win would bring us PKs though! The winner of this matchup will face W Connection in the 2nd round.  The 2nd round matches will be played on April 13th and 20th. The 3 3rd round winners will join Puerto Rico Islanders in the 3rd round, playing single elimination games on May 15th in Trinidad.  The two winners will advance to the Champions League and meet for the Championship on the 17th.  The two losers will also face off on the 17th for the final Champions League Spot.

So that’s it.  Lots of football to go, but things are getting clearer every week.  We’ll have to wait until May to finalize the qualifiers, but we’re getting a better picture of who might be getting these spots.