After beating rival McKendree University 5-1 on Friday, the Trojans jumped Oklahoma City University, whom they had defeated earlier in the season, and moved into the #3 position, topping the 2006 Trojan's #14 finish for the best in HLG's history.  More importantly, however, HLG was paired with an opponent and location for the one obstacle between them and a ticket to Fresno, California and the final 15. 

HLG will travel to Nebraska to take on #15 Hastings College.  The Broncos had a tidy 18-3 season, and, like any match-up, there are obvious pros and cons. 

The Broncos will be favored in terms of playoff experience, having won the Great Plains Athletic Conference eight straight years.  Of those eight years, HC will be making its fifth venture to the National Tournament.  And of course, the most obvious advantage: they are the home team. 

On the flip side of the coin, however, the GPAC is considered a weaker conference than HLG's own American Midwest Conference.  The Bronco's biggest challenges were faced early in the season, with two of their three losses coming in the first two games.  Whereas the AMC had four legitimate soccer powers causing the Trojans to continue to improve throughout the season.  Coach David Erskine doesn't really mind having the away match, either.  He feels it is easier to control his team--when they eat and sleep, namely--and limit distractions.

However the advantages and disadvantages stack up, only the cliché pile will ultimately matter:  Who leaves it all on the field?  Who shows up when it counts?  Who wants it more?  Who is more prepared?  These questions will be answered Saturday, November 22, in Hastings, NE.  The game time is still slated for 5 pm.