What Is 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament was the 16th edition of the Western Athletic Conference championship, held from November 2 to November 5, 2017, with Seattle University winning their third title by defeating Utah Valley 1–0 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament took place from November 2 to November 5, 2017.
Seattle University won the championship by defeating Utah Valley 1–0 in the final.
It was Seattle U's third WAC men's soccer title, adding to previous wins in 2013 and 2015.
Six teams participated in the single-elimination tournament format.
The final match was held at Championship Field in Seattle, Washington.

Overview

The 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament marked the 16th annual postseason competition to determine the Western Athletic Conference's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. Hosted by Seattle University as the top seed, the single-elimination event featured six teams competing across three match days.

Played from November 2 to November 5, 2017, the tournament concluded with Seattle U claiming their third conference title by defeating Utah Valley 1–0 in the final. The championship match was held at Championship Field, the home stadium of Seattle University, which earned hosting rights due to their best regular-season record.

Format: The tournament followed a single-elimination bracket with six qualifying teams based on regular-season standings.
Dates: The semifinals were played on November 2, and the final took place on November 5, 2017.
Location: All matches were hosted at Championship Field in Seattle, Washington, due to Seattle U’s top seed status.
Champion: Seattle University won the title with a 1–0 victory over Utah Valley in the final, securing an NCAA tournament berth.
Historical Context: This was Seattle U’s third WAC title, following previous wins in 2013 and 2015, reinforcing their dominance in the conference.

How It Works

The WAC Men's Soccer Tournament follows a structured format to determine the conference champion and NCAA qualifier. Teams qualify based on regular-season performance, and seeding determines bracket placement and hosting rights.

Qualification: The top six teams in the WAC regular-season standings qualify for the tournament, with seeding based on points earned.
Bracket Structure: The tournament uses a single-elimination format, beginning with quarterfinals and advancing to semifinals and final.
Hosting: The highest remaining seed hosts each round, ensuring competitive advantage for better-performing teams during the season.
Seeding: Teams are seeded 1 through 6 based on conference points, with tiebreakers including head-to-head results and goal differential.
NCAA Berth: The tournament winner receives the WAC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.
Match Rules: Games consist of two 45-minute halves; if tied after regulation, matches proceed to two 10-minute overtime periods and, if needed, a penalty shootout.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament with previous editions in terms of participants, format, and outcomes.

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Final Score	Host Location
2017	Seattle University	Utah Valley	1–0	Seattle, WA
2016	Seattle University	UNLV	2–1	Las Vegas, NV
2015	Seattle University	UNLV	3–2	Las Vegas, NV
2014	UNLV	Seattle University	2–1	Las Vegas, NV
2013	Seattle University	CSU Bakersfield	2–1	Seattle, WA

This table illustrates Seattle University’s dominance in the WAC during this period, winning four of the five titles between 2013 and 2017. The shift in hosting locations reflects seeding rules, with higher seeds earning home-field advantage. The 2017 edition continued this trend, with Seattle U reclaiming the title after missing it in 2014.

Why It Matters

The 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament had significant implications for conference prestige, NCAA qualification, and program development across member institutions. As a gateway to the national stage, the tournament shapes recruiting, funding, and athletic department priorities.

NCAA Access: Winning the tournament grants an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship, offering national exposure.
Program Growth: Success in the WAC boosts visibility for schools like Seattle U, aiding in athlete recruitment and scholarship opportunities.
Conference Standing: Strong tournament performance enhances the WAC’s RPI and national reputation in collegiate soccer rankings.
Player Development: The high-stakes environment prepares student-athletes for professional opportunities post-college.
Financial Impact: NCAA tournament appearances bring additional revenue through travel grants and media exposure.
Historical Legacy: Championships like the 2017 title contribute to long-term program identity and alumni engagement.

Ultimately, the 2017 WAC Men's Soccer Tournament was more than a conference title match—it was a pivotal moment in collegiate athletics that highlighted competitive excellence and institutional investment in men's soccer.