DUBUQUE, Iowa – After winning the conference title, the Spartans will begin their tournament journey on Wednesday, November 4. The No. 1-seeded University of Dubuque men's soccer team will host the No. 5-seeded Simpson College Storm at Oyen Field in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) semifinals with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Oyen Field.
The Spartans had more time to rest than the Storm after earning a first-round bye as the conference champions. The two teams met during regular-season conference play not long ago on Senior Day. In a dominant performance, the Spartans defeated the Storm 3-0. Now, the Spartans will look to repeat that result and secure a spot in the A-R-C Championship game.
About the Spartans
The Spartans finished the regular season 10-4-3 overall and claimed the A-R-C Conference Championship for the first time since 2021. The Spartans went undefeated in conference play, dropping points only once in a tie against the Duhawks in the final game of the regular season. The result secured the Spartans the conference title, finishing conference play with a 6-0-1 record.
When looking at the Spartans' success in conference play, several players deserve recognition.
Jameson Carl has led the Spartans in goals and finished as the conference's leading scorer, scoring seven goals in seven conference games.
In the midfield, the duo of
Andre Elinoff and
Luka Tomic has played a crucial role in controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Elinoff contributed three goals and three assists, while Tomic added three goals and two assists.
On the defensive side,
Brock Richardson has been a standout presence in the backline, helping the Spartans allow just five goals throughout conference play. Fifth-year goalkeeper
Riley Johnson completes the defensive unit, statistically finishing as the top goalkeeper in the conference. Johnson recorded three shutouts, allowed just five goals, and made 29 saves during conference play.
About the Storm
The Storm faced the Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves in the first round of the conference tournament. After making the trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, Simpson came away with a 2-1 victory to earn a semifinal matchup against the Spartans.
Players to watch for the Storm include Allan Martinez Garcia, who recorded two goals and one assist during conference play, and goalkeeper Nate Hersom, who totaled 31 saves in conference action.
What's at Stake
The winner of the matchup between the Spartans and the Storm will advance to the A-R-C tournament championship game. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between the No. 2-seeded Wartburg College Knights and the No. 3-seeded Loras College Duhawks. The other semifinal will be played at the Knights' home field in Waverly, Iowa, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
