DURANGO, Colo. – Defending national champion Cal State Dominguez Hills' run toward a second consecutive national title came to an end on Sunday as No. 1 Fort Lewis College defeated the Toros, 1-0, in the quartefinals of the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Championship.
After a scoreless first half, the Skyhawks (22-1-0) scored the contest's lone goal when senior Euan Purcell received a through ball from teammate Tom Settle, who was then able to beat a pair of defenders and fire a shot past Toros goalkeeper Markus Dickerson.
Cal State Dominguez Hills, which entered the contest with a 12-match winning streak, concluded its season with an 18-6-1 record.
The Toros had an opportunity to tie the match after a Cal State Dominguez Hills player was fouled in the box. However, Fortl Lewis College's goalkeeper Zane Wells stopped senior All-American Kevin Gallaugher's penalty kick attempt.
The Toros outshot the Skyhawks 12-8 but were never able to find the back of the net. Wells was named Tournament Most Valuable Player after making six saves.
Purcell, Settle, and Kyle Wood were each selected to the all-tournament team along with Dickerson, Scott Mariano, and Greg Piechota.
Fort Lewis College will take on Le Moyne (17-2-2) in a semifinal match on Dec. 3 in Tampa, Fla.