Roos Into NCAA Round of 16 for First Time in Program History
11/26/2024 9:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Kansas City's next test will come against #2 Pittsburgh on Sunday
KANSAS CITY - In a season that has been nothing short of extraordinary, the Kansas City Roos' men's soccer team has made history by advancing to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 for the first time ever. The team's incredible journey began with a thrilling last-minute victory over top-seeded Denver in the Summit League Championship, earning an automatic bid to the national tournament. Now, just weeks later, the Roos find themselves among the elite, preparing for a showdown with #2 Pittsburgh on Sunday, Dec. 1, at 4 p.m. CT.
The road to the Round of 16 has been paved with dramatic victories and stunning performances, as Kansas City has showcased the resilience and skill that has defined their season. In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the Roos made a statement with a convincing 2-0 win over Saint Louis. With goals from Guille Munoz and Jeremy Francou and a shutout performance in the net from Brandon McGaugh, KC was able to pick up its second NCAA Tournament win in program history.
The real drama unfolded in the second round when the Roos faced off against #15 Missouri State. After falling behind 1-0 early, Kansas City dug deep and mounted a remarkable comeback. Goals from Sora Shibata and Ales Kohoutek turned the tide, securing a 2-1 victory and propelling the Roos to their first-ever appearance in the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
"It's pretty special," Head Coach Ryan Pore said after the win over the Bears. "To be able to get to this point in the season says a lot about the guys, their belief in each other and their belief in the coaches."
One of the standout features of this Roos team has been their depth. With 19 different goal scorers on the season, Kansas City has proven that they are not reliant on any one player to carry the load. Summit League Offensive Player of the Year Elie Kisoka has been a constant threat, breaking program records for single-season goals and points, but he is far from alone. Summit League Tournament MVP Julien Le Bourdoulous, who has logged at least one assist in each of the past four games, has tied the program record for single-season assists, playing a pivotal role in the team's offensive surge.
As the Roos now look ahead to their match up with #2 Pittsburgh, they know that they will be facing a formidable opponent. The Panthers are coming off a win over Cornell, but Kansas City has already shown that they are not afraid of a challenge. With a mixture of talent, experience and an unshakable belief in each other, the Roos are ready for the next chapter of their historic season.
