It was UCSB that defeated UCI in the Big West finale last season to knock the Anteaters from atop the standings to third place. UCI was subsequently denied an at-large berth in the 48-team NCAA College Cup Tournament.
UCI Coach George Kuntz and Northridge head man Terry Davila both said Irvine, which set a school single-season record for wins in 2006, deserves admission into this season's NCAA tournament. Tournament pairings will be televised live on ESPNEWS Monday, beginning at 1 p.m.
"I think Irvine has done enough to get in," Davila said after his Matadors completed a season sweep of the Anteaters. "If [the Anteaters] aren't in, it's a crime."
Kuntz, crestfallen not only over the loss, but a controversial red card issued to senior goalie Kenny Shoeni with 15 seconds remaining that will sideline him for the first of any postseason games UCI might play, is also convinced his team's season did not end Saturday.
"I'm very confident this team should get in [the tournament]," Kuntz said. "I truly believe you can't overlook our 13 wins, which are quality wins."
Still, Kuntz said he would have loved to have taken the matter out of the committee's hands.
"This is one [win], I think we let get away," Kuntz said after UCI outshot the hosts, 13-8.
But Northridge senior Randy Rossi had the only shot that found the net, scoring in the 59th minute with an assist from Michael Clegg.
Rossi and a UCI defender pursued Clegg's through ball just inside the box. The Anteater appeared to get to it first, but could not clear it, and Rossi directed it into the upper portion of the net for his sixth goal of the season.
The Matadors (8-6-5, 5-2-3) are now 5-0-1 this season in games in which Rossi scored.
Northridge, which has been to the last four NCAA tournaments, is a serious longshot for an at-large bid.
The Matadors wound up third in the conference standings, one point behind UCI (three points are awarded for a win and one for a tie).
