The postseason has arrived, and the Ecclesia College Royals are ready to make their mark. As the #4 seed in the NCCAA Division I Central Region Tournament, the Royals will open regional play at home against #5 seed Dallas Christian College in a win-or-go-home first-round matchup.
Friday afternoon's contest marks the beginning of the Royals' bid for a regional title and their push toward earning a berth at the NCCAA National Tournament.
A Season Built for This Moment
The Royals enter the postseason with momentum and belief. Ecclesia has strung together confident performances throughout the year, including a dominant 5–0 home win over Kansas Christian that showcased the team's ability to control possession, create chances, and attack with purpose.
The Royals have also shown resilience when tested—none more evident than their thrilling 3–3 comeback draw against Dallas Christian earlier in the season. In that match, Ecclesia refused to fold, battling back to secure a result on the road.
That resilience, paired with an energized home atmosphere, will be critical as the Royals begin their postseason run.
The Opponent: Dallas Christian College
Dallas Christian enters as the #5 seed and brings a competitive edge despite a challenging regular-season record. The Crusaders have shown they can be dangerous in transition and are capable of capitalizing on defensive lapses—something the Royals experienced firsthand in the teams' earlier meeting.
But this time, the Royals have home field, a refined game plan, and the confidence of a team playing its best soccer at the right time.
Regional Format & What's Next
This year's Central Region bracket places Ecclesia on the challenging—but promising—side of the draw. A win on Friday sends the Royals into the regional semifinal next Tuesday, where they would meet #1 seed Mid-America Christian University.
From there, the regional championship is set for next Friday, with the winner advancing to the NCCAA National Tournament.
For Ecclesia, the message is simple: one game at a time. Handle business Friday, and the opportunity for a marquee semifinal awaits.
Keys to the Match
1. Start fast at home.
Playing in front of the home crowd, Ecclesia will look to set the tone early with energy, tempo, and pressure.
2. Limit transitional mistakes.
Dallas Christian thrives on quick counters—something Ecclesia will be prepared to neutralize.
3. Lean on the attack.
When the Royals are at their best, they create chances in bunches. Friday will be no different.
A Chance to Advance
The Royals have earned the opportunity to play postseason soccer on their home pitch, and they intend to make the most of it. With a blend of confidence, hunger, and belief, Ecclesia enters Friday's matchup ready to take the next step toward a regional championship.
Kickoff is set for 8 pm CT.
Royal Nation—be loud, be proud, and let's pack the pitch.
