Who is Air Force? A Look at Seton Hall’s First-Round NCAA Opponent

Pirates on the PitchMeghan Kilby

The Air Force Falcons men’s soccer program represents the United States Air Force Academy in Division 1 men’s college soccer in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The program was founded in 1956 and the Falcons are members of the Western Athletic Conference. Their selection to the 2021 NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament marks their 12th appearance in the national tournament and third in the last four seasons.

Air Force went 4-4-1 in their conference play throughout their season this spring. When the Western Athletic Conference came around, Air Force dominated and became the first six seed to win the WAC Men’s Soccer Tournament. They played San Jose State in the first round and after 90 minutes, ended in a tie at 2-2 but ultimately won 4-3 in PK to move onto the semifinals. Air Force then beat UTRGV 1-0 to move onto the championship game. Grand Canyon was the regular-season champions but lost the WAC championship to Air Force in a score of 3-0. This was the Falcons’ first-ever WAC Tournament title.

Falcons Quinn Matulis was named Tournament MVP after scoring a goal and assisting on three others. He was joined on the All-Tournament team by teammates London Aghedo, Jacob Angeletti and Kainoa Likewise. Throughout the season, Air Force led the WAC in points (66) and goals (21). Falcons goalkeeper Kaionoa Likewise also led the WAC in save percentage (.833).

Air Force is feeling confident going into the NCAA tournament after shutting out the top-two seeds in the WAC tournament and looking to continue their six-match win streak. Can they continue their streak against Big East Champions Seton Hall? They head to North Carolina on May 2nd to take on the six seed Seton Hall Pirates in the first round at 8 pm.