With one matchday left, the playoff picture in the MIAC is becoming clear: Gustavus, St. Olaf, and Carleton have all clinched a spot in the semifinals. What seed each team claims is far from decided. The only thing that is decided: Gustavus is the MIAC regular season champion.
Winning their 14th MIAC title, the Gusties (12-2-1) are undefeated in conference play at 9-0 at close their season at home on Saturday against Hamline (6-9-1). A 7-game winning streak has Gustavus on the edge of the NSCAA NCAA Division III Top 25 National Poll.
Carleton (13-1-3; 7-1-1 conf) are currently riding a 6-game winning streak that has propelled the Knights to second place on the MIAC table. They will travel across town to play St. Olaf (13-3-1; 6-2-1 conf) in the Northfield Derby on Saturday. A win or draw will secure second place for Carleton, while an Oles victory will mean St. Olaf clinch the tie breaker and potentially host a playoff semifinal.
The wildcard in all the possible standings shuffle is St. John’s (7-6-3; 5-2-2 conf). The Johnnies travel to Moorhead to face Concordia in search of the final playoff berth. A win or draw will see St. John’s advance, while a victory combined with a St. Olaf loss would move the Johnnies to the third seed. Augsburg (10-6-1; 5-4) will need help to extend their season. The Auggies need a St. John’s loss and a victory over St. Thomas (9-4-4; 3-3-3) on Saturday night to advance.
MIAC Men’s Soccer Playoffs
Wednesday, Nov. 6
- #1 Gustavus vs #4 St. John’s
- #2 St. Olaf vs #3 Carleton
Saturday, Nov. 9
- Championship: semifinal winners
Saturday MIAC results:
-Gustavus 2, Hamline 0
-Macalester 1, St. Mary’s 0
-St. John’s 5, Concordia 0
-St. Olaf 2, Carleton 0
-St. Thomas 3, Augsburg 1