Nov. 16, 2009

Complete Release in PDF Format

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - LMU will be returning to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in school history, as the 2009 NCAA College Cup bracket was announced Monday. The Lions will host Sacramento State in the first round on Thursday, November 19, with the winner moving on to face sixth-seeded UCLA on Sunday, November 22. Kick-off Thursday will be at 1 p.m. with Sunday's kick-off at 5 p.m.

LMU went 10-8-2 overall in 2009, placing third in the West Coast Conference. The Lions rallied down the stretch, going 3-0-1 over the final two weekends of the season to climb from seventh to third place on the final two weekends. The Lions are led by Hermann Trophy candidate Rafael Baca, who has nine goals, four assists, and 22 points on the season.

This marks the fifth 10-plus victory season in Head Coach Paul Krumpe's 12-year career. The Lions previously made the tournament four straight seasons from 2001-04. LMU is 2-4 all-time in the NCAA Tournament.

Sacramento State earned the automatic bid out of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation after winning the conference's tournament in a penalty shootout over New Mexico. The Hornets went 11-5-3 overall in 2009.

LMU and Sacramento State have met eight times in their history but not since 2003. The Lions are undefeated in their last three meetings. LMU is 1-2-1 against Sacramento State at Sullivan Field.

Tickets for the event are priced as follows:
Adults: $10
Children, seniors, and students without a valid college ID: $8
LMU and Sacramento State students with a valid college ID: $4

For more ticket information, go online at www.LMULions.com or call (310) 338-LION.