Preview of the 2023 NAIA Men's Soccer Championship - Final Site
Posted: Nov 27, 2023

Preview of the 2023 NAIA Men's Soccer Championship - Final Site

The 65th Annual NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship will begin play on Monday, Nov. 27, with the first four games in the Round of 16.  California Pacific Conference champion Westcliff, reaching the final site during its first trip to the NAIA National Championship, will play its first Round of 16 match on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 5:00 p.m. PT against reigning NAIA National Champion Bethel (Ind.).  The Warriors (18-1) and the Pilots (17-2-3) are two of five teams in the final 16 that have won 16 or more games this season.  The other three are Milligan (Tenn.), Oklahoma Wesleyan, and St. Thomas (Fla.).  WU, OWU, and STU all have only one loss on the season.

Note that a venue change has been put in place for Round of 16 games on Monday and Tuesday. All matches have shifted to the indoor facility, adjacent to the championship stadium within the Scheel's Stryker Soccer Complex. All game times, dates, and pairings remain the same. Additionally, all ticketing and credential processes remain the same. Visit Wichita will play host to the Battle For The Red Banner as all the action will be played on the pitch of Scheel's Stryker Soccer Complex. 

[SCHEDULE | PROGRAM | BRACKET]

The NAIA Network – the association's official video streaming home – will broadcast 14 matches live at the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship final site in Wichita, Kan., and the championship match will be on ESPN3. The NAIA Network, powered by PrestoSports, allows users access to live video, statistics, and social interaction on a number of devices, including mobile. Single-day passes can be purchased for $9.95, while an all-championship tournament package is available at $34.95. For more information and to pre-register, click HERE. 

Championship Nuggets

  • In total four programs left have claimed a Red Banner: Bethel, Keiser (Fla.), Missouri Valley, and Mobile (Ala.)
  • Five of the 16 teams remaining in the tournament earned at-large berths into the field
  • 15 of the 16 teams played in the postseason a year ago
  • Overall, the teams have combined for 138 NAIA postseason appearances led by 23 times from Mobile
  • The Rams sport to most NAIA tournament wins (37) and total games (62) than any other team remaining
  • During the Second Round last weekend, Grace (Ind.) earned the program's first win in the championship 
  • The Crossroads League and Heart of America Athletic Conference both have three teams in the final 16 while The Sun Conference and Southern States Athletic Conference have two squads each