The Golden Knights of Saint Rose — based in Albany, NY — are a little more accustomed to inclement weather, but both squads are a long way from home on an unfamiliar pitch. The Golden Knights ended the regular season undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the nation, but haven’t exactly breezed through the tournament. St. Rose advanced on a pair of 1-0 wins and a victory in penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.
The Golden Knights are making their third straight appearance in the Final Four and have a definite experience edge on the pitch, but certainly not on the touchline. UCSD head coach Brian McManus is going for his third D-II title and eighth overall, with the last one coming in 2001. The Tritons come in unbeaten in 17 out of their last 18 matches, and with 29 goals scored and 6 allowed in that span.
Watch the match live at www.ncaa.com at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
