MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – The RMU men's soccer team will travel to Ann Arbor to face the University of Michigan in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, November 21. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM at the U-M Soccer Stadium, with the match streaming live on ESPN+.
#HLMSOC CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP
RMU (9-6-3, 4-3-2 #HLMSOC) celebrated a historic moment by capturing their first Horizon League Championship and first conference title since 2005. Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, the Colonials earned a bye to the semifinals, where a second-half goal from Chase Gilley secured a 1-0 win over No. 3 Milwaukee—marking RMU's first Horizon League playoff victory and their inaugural final appearance. In the championship match against top-seeded Oakland, Victor Thompson delivered the game-winning goal in the ninth minute, assisted by Chase Gilley and Anass Hadran.
DEFENSIVE MASTERCLASS
The Colonials showcased a stellar defensive performance throughout the tournament, not conceding a single goal—the first Horizon League champion to achieve this feat since 2015. This marked RMU's fourth all-time conference tournament title (NEC: 1993, 1994, 2005; HL: 2024). Sophomore goalkeeper Josh Lane anchored the backline, recording eight saves and two clean sheets. The defensive unit of Fabian Overkamp, Gabe Norris, Victor Koah, Victor Thompson, and William Dodzi Afawubo were instrumental in maintaining the team's resolute defense.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
- Chase Gilley's seven goals rank third in the Horizon League, while his four game-winners are a league best. With 19 points this season and an assist against Oakland, Gilley reached a milestone of 50 career points (19g, 12a).
- Anass Hadran leads the Horizon League with seven assists this season, bringing his career total to 12.
- Goalkeeper Josh Lane's six shutouts are tied for the most in the league this season.
NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY
RMU returns to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 19 years under Head Coach Jonathan Potter. The Colonials' last appearance in 2005 ended in a narrow 1-0 loss to West Virginia. In 1994, RMU earned their first NCAA Tournament win, defeating Lafayette 1-0 before falling to #13 Penn State in the next round. The program's NCAA debut came in 1993, also against Penn State. Thursday will mark RMU's fourth appearance in the tournament as they aim for their second all-time NCAA victory.
ALL-TIME VS. MICHIGAN
RMU and Michigan have only played each other once, coming in the year 2001. The Wolverines won the match, 2-1.
SCOUTING THE WOLVERINES
Overall, Michigan is 8-4-7 this season and finished with a 2-3-5 mark in Big Ten play. In their conference tournament, the Wolverines made a run to the final, beating Indiana 1-0 and tying UCLA 1-1 but won penalty kicks 4-2, advancing to the championship game. At No. 1 Ohio State, they just fell short, losing 1-0. Offensively, senior Jason Bucknor has a team-high six goals. Bryce Blevins has produced 18 points (5g, 8a) while Beto Sota has passed out nine assists. In net, sophomore goalkeeper Isaiah Goldson has started in 14 games, earning five wins with five clean sheets.
UP NEXT
The winner of Thursday's match will advance to face Atlantic 10 champion Dayton in the NCAA Tournament Second Round on Sunday, November 24, at 7:00 PM.
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