Eight soccer teams from seven states will be in Pittsburgh to compete for the NCAA Division II soccer championships beginning Thursday at Highmark Stadium.
The men’s and women’s semifinals are 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday. The finals are noon and 3 p.m. Saturday.
This is the second consecutive year the championships will be in Pittsburgh. From 2018 to 2022, there will be 22 NCAA championships contested in the city.
In the women’s bracket, Saint Rose (N.Y.), Grand Valley State (Mich.), Flagler (Fla.) and Western Washington have qualified for the semifinals.
The men’s final four includes California State/Los Angeles, the University of Indianapolis, Charleston (W.Va.) and Lynn (Fla.).
Before the games, players from all eight teams will visit five area schools and read to students, participate in physical education classes and present assemblies. Schools that will welcome the athletes include Winchester Thurston Elementary, Liberty Elementary, Allegheny Traditional Academy, Urban Pathways K-5 Charter School and the Environmental Charter School.
Members of the Shadyside Boys and Girls Club and City of Pittsburgh firefighters will unveil the American flag at Saturday’s matches.
SportsPittsburgh has partnered with Slippery Rock University to serve as hosts for the event.
