UC Merced Soccer Teams Qualify for CCAA Tournament

Both the men's and women's soccer programs have secured spots in the CCAA playoffs for the first time.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Soccer

UC Merced Soccer Teams Qualify for CCAA Tournament

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The UC Merced men's and women's soccer teams have officially qualified for the CCAA Tournament. This achievement marks the programs' debut in the NCAA Division II playoffs following their recent transition from the NAIA.

Why it matters

The qualification marks a significant milestone for the university after completing its transition to the NCAA Division II level. It represents the first opportunity for the soccer programs to compete for a postseason title in their new conference.

The women's soccer team earned a fourth-place finish in the CCAA, while the men's team concluded their league schedule in seventh place. Both programs previously combined for four total NAIA tournament championships.

The players

UC Merced

This is a public research university located in Merced, California, that recently shifted its athletic programs to the NCAA Division II level.

The details

The teams secured playoff eligibility after finalizing their transition to the NCAA Division II during the 2026-2027 academic year. The women's program enters the tournament with one previous NAIA title, while the men's side brings experience from three prior NAIA championships.

2023: The women's team won an NAIA tournament championship.
2025-2026 academic year: UC Merced transitioned from NAIA to NCAA Division II.
2026-2027 year: Athletic programs became eligible for postseason play.
Sunday at 12 p.m.: The women's team hosts a playoff game in Merced.
Sunday at 1 p.m.: The men's team plays a playoff game in San Bernardino.

Season Trajectory

Qualifying for the CCAA Tournament represents a fundamental shift in the university's competitive identity as it enters the NCAA Division II ecosystem. This postseason appearance validates the school's recent transition from the NAIA and sets a new baseline for future athletic expectations.

The women's team will host a home playoff game in Merced this Sunday at 12 p.m., while the men's team must travel to San Bernardino for their 1 p.m. kickoff. These matchups serve as the first-ever CCAA postseason tests for both programs under their new conference affiliation.

The takeaway

The rapid integration of UC Merced into the CCAA tournament demonstrates the viability of the university's move to a higher tier of competition. Supporters should note the distinct game times and locations to ensure they can follow both teams during the opening round of the playoffs.