June 3, 2008

DENVER, COLO. - A home match against NCAA semifinalist Midwestern State and a trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, for three nonconference matches, highlight the 2008 Metro State men's soccer schedule, released Tuesday by head coach Ken Parsons.

"As always, we will have an extremely competitive schedule, which we hope will prepare us for our third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament," said Parsons.

Metro State, the 2007 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) regular-season champion, opens the 2008 slate in Salt Lake City, Utah, for nonconference matches against St. Martin's, Westminster and Montana State-Billings, Aug. 29-Sept. 1, before returning home for a clash with Seattle Pacific, Sept. 12. After four straight conference matches, the Roadrunners have a rematch at home with Midwestern State, Sept. 28. Midwestern State defeated Metro State twice last season, a 2-0 decision in Wichita Falls, Texas, in early September, then an 8-1 verdict in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Metro State plays 14 league games again in 2008, including two against NCAA qualifier and RMAC Tournament champion Fort Lewis. The Roadrunners open conference play with four straight road games, beginning with Colorado School of Mines, Sept. 14, and don't play an RMAC game at home until they face Mesa State, Oct. 3. Metro State then plays five of its final seven league games at home. The RMAC Tournament is Nov. 7-9.

"With several teams in our conference having an opportunity to get to the national tournament, RMAC games will always be a battle and important in determining who gets an invitation to the postseason."

The Roadrunners, who have advanced to two consecutive NCAA Tournaments, also have exhibition matches at Air Force (Aug. 15) and at Denver (Aug. 17).

Metro State, which went 16-3-3 overall last season, graduated five seniors in 2007 and return all-region player Kellen Johnson.

For the complete schedule, please click HERE.