LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Men's soccer readies for its fourth-straight SCIAC tournament appearance, and second time in that span holding the overall No. 1 seed. The squad is hoping for its second SCIAC Championship in the last four seasons.
 
SCIAC TOURNAMENT WHAT TO KNOW
 
No. 1 Occidental Tigers – 8-5-4 (6-3-3)
No. 2 Redlands Bulldogs – 8-6-4 (6-3-3)
No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens – 10-4-3 (6-4-2)
No. 4 Chapman Panthers – 6-7-4 (5-4-3)
No. 5 La Verne Leopards – 8-6-5 (5-4-3)
 
With such a wild finish to conference play, it was only fitting the first game of the SCIAC tournament was a wild one. La Verne earned a victory on the road against Chapman November 4 on penalty kicks, 8-7, after the game ended in a 0-0 tie.
 
For the Tigers, just two weeks ago their standing wasn't certain. Coming off a 1-0 loss to the Leopards at home, Oxy sat at fifth in the SCIAC standings. However, three straight wins, outscoring opponents 8-3 in that span propelled the Tigers into first place and home field advantage in the tournament.
 
One-through-five is the most even it has been in years – it has the potential for some classic finishes.
 
THE ROAD RUNS THROUGH EAGLE ROCK
 
While percentagewise it's the team's worst conference record in the last four years, the Tigers have shown spurts of dominance throughout the season, scoring the most goals in SCIAC play (27, next closest is 20) and allowing the third fewest (16).
 
The Tigers won when it mattered the most, beating No. 2 Redlands 3-0 on the road road onber 4, then No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer, also on the road, October 25.
 
HOLD POSSESSION
 
The Tigers will have a tough task against the SCIAC's best goalkeeper Hector Duenas-Pena. Duenas-Pena tallied 10 saves in La Verne's win on Tuesday, including a key save in the eighth round of penalty kicks to secure the upset victory.
 
Duenas-Pena was masterful the last time these two squads met. He collected eight saves on 24 Tiger shots, holding Oxy to its only shutout loss in conference play. It was the second time the Tigers were shut out this season.
 
La Verne's only goal came on a counter attack in the early parts of the second half. The Tigers outshot the Leopards 24-8. Keeping the ball on the Oxy attacking half will be paramount.
 
TOURNAMENT OUTLOOK
 
With a victory on November 6, the Tigers would host the winner of the semifinal between Pomona-Pitzer and Redlands. It would be Occidental's second time hosting the SCIAC Championship game in three years, and third trip to the title match in four seasons.
 
GAME INFORMATION
 
For fans in attendance, bags over the size of 4.5" x 6.5" will not be permitted. Bottles will also not be allowed. Any bottles will be confiscated and thrown away. Jack Kemp Stadium has a no smoking, vaping, or alcohol policy.  
 
Water will be provided to fans throughout Jack Kemp Stadium. Concessions will be available for purchase.
 
Tickets can be purchased online at the link here, or at the venue. Students, staff or faculty with a SCIAC institution ID receive free admittance.
 
The event will be streamed live on FloCollege.