PHILIPPI, W.Va. – The Northeastern State men's soccer team will look to punch their first ticket to the Final Four on Saturday against Rockhurst on the campus of Alderson Broaddus University.
 
Northeastern State (14-5) vs. Rockhurst (15-2-2)
NCAA National Quarterfinals
Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 | Noon (Central Time)
Multi-Sport Performance Stadium | Philippi, W. Va.
Live Stats | Live Video

A goal with 45-seconds left in regulation by Jacob Weaver handed the RiverHawks the Central Region Crown.  NSU won by a 2-1 score over MIAA rivals Fort Hays State on Thursday evening to advance to the national quarterfinals for the second time in program history.

Rockhurst captured its fifth NCAA Midwest Region crown in the second overtime period on Thursday over top-seed Ohio Valley, 1-0, to set up the matchup with the RiverHawks.

So close…but so far…
Regional hosting rotation is the reason why two teams located four hours apart from each other are playing over a 1,000 miles away in West Virginia.  In 2017, the Midwest Region is the designated Super Regional host for the third round and quarterfinals; the RiverHawks were hosts in 2012 and 2014.
 
NSU Weather Report
Saturday's national quarterfinal will be warmer than the 36-degrees on Thursday evening but there is a 65-percent chance of rain in the forecast, with cloudy skies and a start time temperature at 57-degrees.
 
Scouting Northeastern State
The RiverHawks offense is led by Joe Garcia who has 13 goals for the season and has 21 in his junior year which is eighth all-time at NSU.  When Garcia has had a goal or assist this season, the RiverHawks are 12-0 overall.  Goalkeeper Ryan Davis led the MIAA with six shutouts and has had 67 saves this season.  Earlier this season, the NSU senior broke the NSU and MIAA record with four consecutive shutouts.
 
Scouting Rockhurst
At the end of the regular season, the Hawks led the GLVC and were 20th in the nation with 6.65 points per game. Kaleb Jackson was named as their league's Offensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive time with 12 goals and 1.88 shots on-goal per game.  RU's Logan Feldmann was the GLVC Defensive Player of the Year and had eight shutouts in the regular season.
 
Up next
Saturday's winner will advance to the national semifinal which will be in Kansas City, Mo. on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m.