What Is 2019 MAAC Men's Soccer Tournament

Overview

The 2019 MAAC Men's Soccer Tournament marked the 28th annual postseason competition for the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, determining the league's automatic qualifier for the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. Held from November 10 to November 16, the single-elimination tournament featured the top eight teams based on regular-season conference records.

The championship concluded with Siena College capturing its first MAAC title in program history, defeating Monmouth University 2–1 in a dramatic double-overtime final. As tournament champions, Siena earned the conference's automatic bid to the 2019 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament.

• Siena won the final 2–1 in double overtime after a tense match that extended beyond regulation, marking a historic first title for the program.
• Monmouth entered as the top seed with a 7–1–1 conference record, having won the regular-season title.
• Eight teams qualified for the tournament, representing half of the 10-team conference, based on regular-season standings.
• All games were hosted on campus sites by the higher-seeded team, a format designed to reward regular-season performance.
• The final was played on November 16, 2019 at Siena's Hickey Field in Loudonville, New York, due to their higher seed.

How It Works

The MAAC Men's Soccer Tournament follows a structured single-elimination format, with seeding determined by regular-season conference performance. Each matchup advances the winner until a champion is crowned and awarded the NCAA automatic bid.

• Format: The tournament uses a single-elimination bracket with eight teams seeded 1 through 8 based on conference win percentage.
• Seeding: Teams are ranked using MAAC standings criteria, including head-to-head results and goal differential in tied cases.
• Hosting: Higher seeds host each round, meaning the team with the better regular-season record hosts the match at their home field.
• Match Duration: Games last 90 minutes; if tied, two 10-minute overtime periods are played, followed by penalty kicks if needed.
• NCAA Bid: The tournament winner receives the MAAC's automatic qualification to the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship.
• Tiebreakers: Regular-season tiebreakers include head-to-head result, goal differential in conference games, and total points in standings.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top-performing teams in the 2019 MAAC Men's Soccer Tournament based on key metrics.

The data shows that while Monmouth had the best regular-season record, Siena’s consistency and home-field advantage in the final proved decisive. Quinnipiac and Monmouth both scored multiple goals before falling in the semifinals, but Siena’s defense tightened at critical moments, allowing only one goal in the final match.

Why It Matters

The 2019 MAAC Men's Soccer Tournament had significant implications for conference recognition and NCAA representation. Siena’s breakthrough victory highlighted competitive balance within the league and underscored the importance of postseason performance.

• Siena earned an NCAA Tournament berth for the first time since 2015, advancing to the national stage with a 2–1 win over Monmouth.
• The tournament showcased parity in the MAAC, as the top two seeds reached the final, validating the competitive structure.
• Player performances were elevated under pressure, with Siena’s goalkeeper making crucial saves in overtime to secure the title.
• Home-field hosting benefited higher seeds, with all quarterfinal and semifinal hosts winning their games except Marist.
• Monmouth’s loss ended a 12-game unbeaten streak in MAAC play, marking a rare postseason setback despite regular-season dominance.
• The event boosted local visibility for Siena and other programs, drawing fans and media attention to mid-major college soccer.

The 2019 tournament remains a landmark moment in MAAC history, illustrating how postseason play can redefine a team’s legacy and elevate a program’s national profile.