AUSTIN, Texas – Appearing in their third straight American Southwest Conference Tournament, the Concordia Texas men's soccer team will face University of the Ozarks in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 5 p.m.
The Tornados wrapped up the season with an 8-4-2, 5-4-2 ASC record to clinch the four seed in the conference. It is their third consecutive appearance in the ASC Tournament after reaching the semifinals the past two seasons.
CTX will take on the Eagles on the campus of Mary Hardin-Baylor, who is the host of the tournament after clinching the top seed in the conference. In their first matchup of the season, the Tornados fell to Ozarks 1-0 on Sept. 23. Head Coach
Nick Mims is confident in his team heading into the tournament.
We're excited. Any time you play in the conference tournament it's a fun atmosphere," Mims said. "Our goal is to stay focused on the task at hand. I've been happy with the strides we've taken towards the end of the regular season and we've had the opportunity to fine tune specific areas heading into the conference tournament."
CTX will rely on forward
Alejandro Labastida, the record holder for goals in a career, and an offensive threat that leads the team in goals with six while also recording three assists on the season.
Nash Cole at his right-back positon is second on the team with five goals, including a streak of three straight games with at least a goal.
On the defensive side of the ball,
Eric Bigon and
Zak Bergstrom will serve to protect the back line while in goal,
Rob Oakley, has 38 saves and has posted three shutouts.
The Tornados will go up against the Eagles at 5 p.m. on the Cru Soccer Field.