Montgomery, Ala. –The Auburn University Montgomery Senators men’s soccer team has received the top seeding in the NAIA National Championship Tournament bracket released by the NAIA on Monday.

Senators Seeded Number One at NAIA Championships

Montgomery, Ala. –The Auburn University Montgomery Senators men’s soccer team has received the top seeding in the NAIA National Championship Tournament bracket released by the NAIA on Monday. The important number one seeding means that the Senators will benefit from a first round bye and not have to play until the second round versus the winner of 16^th seed Hastings (Neb.) and 17^th seed Northwood (Fla.).

This appearance marks the eighth season including the sixth consecutive year AUM has advanced to the National Tournament. Last year, AUM bowed to eventual National Runner-up Azusa Pacific (Calif.) in overtime of the quarterfinal round by a 2-1 score. Overall, AUM is 13-7-2 in the national tournament with National Runners-up finishes in 2000, 2001 and 2004.

AUM (16-3-1) is relatively unfamiliar with both potential opponents. The Senators have not faced Hastings in school history and have played Northwood only once before, losing a 3-1 decision at Northwood in October of the 1999 regular season.

Hastings (12-6-2) advanced into the national field after taking the Region III crown with a win over Northwestern (Iowa) via a penalty kick shootout. This year is Hastings’ fourth appearance at the national event, losing in the semifinals in 2003 and 2005. They hold a 4-3 all time tournament record.

Northwood (9-10-1) won their way into their first tournament appearance in school history after entering as the lowest seed of Region XIV and then taking the championship match with a 3-1 win over Savannah (Ga.) College of Art & Design.

The Senators lost on Saturday in the Region XIII Championship to potential quarterfinal opponent Lee University (17-4-0) by a score of 3-0, but still qualified for the National Tournament due to their number one national ranking.

NAIA all-time leading goal and point scorer senior forward Hjortur Hjartarsson of Iceland will lead the Senators into the tournament. Hjartarsson, the Southern States Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year and 2005 National Player of the Year, has scored 32 goals with three assists so far this season.

The tournament is scheduled for November 15-21 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

-AUM-