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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NCAA selects Zags men

A most-welcomed surprise evoked feelings of excitement and shock Monday at Gonzaga University.

After three straight losses to end their regular season, including 1-0 in overtime to third-ranked Santa Clara last Friday, the Gonzaga men’s soccer team had little hope of a postseason.

When the field of 48 was announced for the NCAA Division I tournament, however, the Bulldogs heard their name called.

Thirteenth-year head coach Einar Thorarinsson had the selection show on, but was listening more than watching.

“I heard them say Gonzaga and I was trying to figure out who they were talking about that was in the tournament that we had played,” said Thorarinsson. “I looked up and saw and realized we were in.”

The Bulldogs (9-6-4), making their second appearance in the NCAA tournament (first was in 2001), will face SMU in the first round Saturday in Dallas at 5 p.m.

“We may not have as much playoff experience as SMU, but we have traveled and played good teams on the road,” Thorarinsson added. “We played a tough schedule this year with the postseason in mind.

“We were a good team and we never gave up.”

The Bulldogs have 10 seniors who figured Friday was the final match of their collegiate careers.

“It’s pure excitement,” said George Josten, who leads the Bulldogs in scoring. “I almost drove home today for Thanksgiving. It’s a good thing I didn’t. We got a little lucky (in being selected) because we know we should have sealed this thing up a long time ago.”

Goaltender Vito Higgins got a text message from assistant coach Mike Thompson letting him know they were in.

“I started sweating a lot,” said Higgins. “There’s a lot of amazement. It means we have another chance to show the alums we’re here for business. … It’s great to have a chance to represent all of Gonzaga.”

Portland and Santa Clara also made the field. Portland will take on Washington in the first round while Santa Clara, seeded seventh, awaits the winner of a first-round meeting between UCLA and New Mexico.