The Arizona men’s soccer team advanced to the national tournament after beating ASU 3-1 in final game in the regional final this weekend at the Rincon Vista Sports Complex.

This was the third straight week Arizona played ASU, and it ended up being the third straight victory.

Despite playing into overtime the night before, ASU played tough against Arizona at the start of the game. ASU controlled possession through most of the first half but couldn’t capitalize on scoring chances. Then in the 26th minute, UA defender Chris Kappes scored a goal to make the score 1-0, despite the Wildcats’ early struggles.

“”They had an overtime game yesterday, so they got tired and we took advantage of it,”” Kappes said.

The goal switched the momentum in the game and keyed Arizona to the win.

The Wildcats had that 1-0 lead going into the second half, but lost their starting goalkeeper Giuseppe DeMasi, who strained his neck reacting to a scoring chance by ASU.

“”This week I probably won’t be able to move my neck,”” DeMasi said, “”but I’ll definitely play in nationals.””

In the second half, Arizona added to its lead when Sean Blea scored a goal off a rebound to give the Wildcats a more comfortable 2-0 lead.

The Wildcats’ win earns them a spot at the club soccer national championships in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Nov. 20.

“”We will have a tough two and a half weeks of practice,”” said head coach David Hunter. “”Then we head to Alabama.””