MCKENZIE, Tenn. (11.15.09) - The Bethel men's soccer team received official word from the NAIA that they would get a National Tournament invitation and will host a first round game. Bethel (14-1-3) comes in as the 12th seed; seeds are based on Longo points. The 31 team field will be reduced to 16 after the first round and winners will go to the National Tournament site in Fresno, Calf., beginning on November 30, 2009. Bethel will host Kansas Wesleyan University (14-3-3) this coming Saturday, November 21, 2009 at 1:00pm.
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Kansas Wesleyan is located in Salina, Kan. and are known as the Coyotes. Kansas Wesleyan makes its first ever appearance in the NAIA National Tournament. The Coyotes received the automatic berth to the National Championships by winning the KCAC Post-Season Tournament with a 4-0 win over Friends University.
The Coyotes are led by senior forward Arturo Guizar, who currently leads the NAIA with 29 goals on the season to go along with eight assists. Jose Garay also adds nine goals and 11 assists for the Coyotes. Wesleyan has outscored its opponents 69-23 during the season.
KWU is under the direction of fifth year coach Mike Dibbini, who also directs the KWU Women's Soccer team. Entering the 2009 season, Dibbini was 56-22-5 on the men's side and had a combined 125-36-10 record for both men and women.
The winner of Saturday's Opening Round match will advance to the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship Final Site, this year being held at Ramirez Field on the campus of Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Calif., beginning November 30 and running through December 5.
