Harper men's soccer set for district tournament

For the first time since 2016 Harper College will be represented in the district phase of the NJCAA Division III men's soccer postseason.

The tournament begins Friday in Minnesota and teams will be vying for a spot in the national tournament in New York.

The Hawks are going to have to navigate the most difficult portion of their schedule including a matchup against No. 6 ranked Schoolcraft College of Michigan. The Michigan's school region is new to the district portion of the tournament.

The Ocelot's (9-1-1) only blemish came against Muskegon Community College in September.

If they are able to get past Schoolcraft the Hawks would face the winner Anoka-Ramsey Community College (MN) and No. 2 ranked Richland College (TX.) The Thunderducks eliminated the Hawks in the 2016 district round robin en route to the program's only national title. The Region XIII champions have not lost since September 11. They average 4.3 goals per game, which ranks fifth nationally.

On paper the Anoka-Ramsey Community College's 10-7 record might not look impressive but the Golden Rams feature a strong offense that averages 3.13 goals a game (4th nationally).

Harper has not faced the Minnesota school since 2012 when then No. 9 ranked Anokea-Ramsey beat the Hawks 2-0 in Palatine.

The Golden Rams enter the event winners of 6 of their last 7 games.