It’s game time.

Washington University’s men’s soccer team will host sectional play this weekend as the team has advanced to the Sweet 16 for the first time in a decade. The team will look to transform homefield advantage into a trip to Disney World the following weekend for the final four.

“This is definitely the biggest game I have ever played,” said senior captain Onyi Okoroafor. “I’m happy to have finally made it this far.”

Saturday, the 20th-ranked Bears (15-4-2) will face Transylvania University (15-2-3) at 1:30. The Bears, playing in Whitewater, Wis., led the entire match en route to a 2-1 win over Carthage College in the first round. Their win over No. 24 Dominican University in the second round proved to be much more exciting. Playing deep into the first overtime, sophomore Ryan Grandin finally headed in the game winner in the 99th minute for a 1-0 victory.

“I’m really happy,” said senior captain Elie Zenner. “Last weekend was the best weekend of my soccer career to win those two games and advance. I hope to keep doing that.”

Transylvania has won both of its tournament games on penalty kicks, outshooting Ohio Wesleyan University 6-5 in the first round and John Carroll University 4-3 in the second.

“Transylvania is a really good team,” said Head Coach Joe Clarke. “They work hard and have a great goalie.”

Prior to the Wash. U. match, top-ranked Trinity University (20-0) will play the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (17-2-1) at 11 a.m. The winner of the two games will meet at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Elite Eight with the winner, advancing to Orlando the following weekend.

“It’s awesome. I feel great for the players. They have put their hearts and souls into this for a long time,” said Clarke.

In September, the Red and Green lost to Trinity 1-0, playing in San Antonio. The Bears lost more than the game in that contest, as defender Ethan Silver was lost for the year early in the game. The senior was kicked in the cheek while going for a slide tackle, breaking his jaw. Classmate Marshall Plow also suffered a concussion in the contest.

“You never want to look past an opponent, but I would love to get another shot at them,” said Okoroafor.

“This is definitely the best way to cap off my career,” said Zenner. “We’ve put in a lot of work and the changes we have made have paid off in the long term.”

GAME TIMES:

SATURDAY
#1 Trinity University vs. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, 11 a.m.

#20 Washington University vs. Transylvania University, 1:30 p.m.

SUNDAY
Winner game 1 vs. winner game 2, 1 p.m.

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