**Atlantic Soccer Conference Tournament**
**Definition:**
The Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) tournament was the postseason championship event for men’s college soccer teams competing in the Atlantic Soccer Conference, a now-defunct NCAA Division I soccer conference. The tournament determined the conference champion and, in some years, the recipient of an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship.
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## Atlantic Soccer Conference Tournament
The Atlantic Soccer Conference tournament was the culminating competition of the Atlantic Soccer Conference, a collegiate athletic conference that sponsored men’s soccer at the NCAA Division I level. Established to provide a competitive postseason platform for its member institutions, the tournament played a significant role in determining the conference champion during the conference’s existence. Although the Atlantic Soccer Conference itself was short-lived, the tournament was an important event for its member schools, offering a chance to compete for conference honors and, in certain seasons, an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.
### History of the Atlantic Soccer Conference
The Atlantic Soccer Conference was formed in 2000 as a men’s soccer-only conference, primarily composed of independent programs and schools seeking a structured competitive environment. The conference was unique in that it did not sponsor other sports, focusing exclusively on men’s soccer. This specialization allowed member institutions to compete against similarly situated programs that lacked affiliation with larger multi-sport conferences.
The conference operated from 2000 until it disbanded in 2011. During this period, the Atlantic Soccer Conference tournament was held annually to determine the conference champion. The tournament was typically held at the end of the regular season, featuring the top teams based on regular-season standings.
### Format of the Tournament
The format of the Atlantic Soccer Conference tournament varied slightly over the years, depending on the number of participating teams and logistical considerations. Generally, the tournament featured a knockout-style bracket involving the top four or six teams from the regular season standings.
– **Qualification:** Teams qualified for the tournament based on their regular-season conference records. The highest-ranked teams earned seeding advantages, including home-field advantage in early rounds or byes into later rounds.
– **Structure:** The tournament was single-elimination, with quarterfinals (if applicable), semifinals, and a final match to determine the champion. Matches tied after regulation proceeded to overtime and, if necessary, penalty shootouts to decide a winner.
– **Venue:** Hosting rights for the tournament or individual matches were often awarded to the highest-seeded teams, though in some years, a predetermined neutral site was selected.
### Member Institutions
Throughout its existence, the Atlantic Soccer Conference included a variety of institutions, many of which were independents or members of other conferences for other sports. Some of the notable member schools included:
– Adelphi University
– Longwood University
– University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC)
– University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
– St. Francis College (Brooklyn)
– University of Bridgeport
– University of the District of Columbia
Membership fluctuated over time as schools joined or left the conference, often influenced by changes in their primary conference affiliations or the evolving landscape of NCAA soccer.
### Significance and Impact
The Atlantic Soccer Conference tournament provided a critical competitive opportunity for programs that otherwise lacked access to automatic NCAA tournament bids through larger conferences. In some years, the ASC champion received an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship, elevating the importance of the tournament.
For many member schools, the tournament was a highlight of the season, offering a chance to compete for a conference title and gain postseason experience. It also helped raise the profile of men’s soccer programs at smaller or less prominent institutions.
### Decline and Disbandment
Despite its initial success, the Atlantic Soccer Conference faced challenges related to membership stability and NCAA recognition. As more schools found homes in established multi-sport conferences that sponsored men’s soccer, the need for a soccer-only conference diminished.
By 2011, the Atlantic Soccer Conference ceased operations. Many of its member institutions either joined other conferences or became independents once again. The disbandment marked the end of the ASC tournament as a postseason event.
### Legacy
Although the Atlantic Soccer Conference and its tournament were relatively short-lived, they played an important role in the development of men’s collegiate soccer for several programs. The tournament provided a competitive postseason environment and helped member schools maintain NCAA Division I status in men’s soccer.
The ASC tournament is remembered as a unique chapter in NCAA soccer history, illustrating the challenges and opportunities faced by smaller or independent programs seeking competitive structure and postseason access.
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**Meta Description:**
The Atlantic Soccer Conference tournament was the postseason championship for NCAA Division I men’s soccer teams in the Atlantic Soccer Conference, held annually from 2000 to 2011. It determined the conference champion and occasionally provided an automatic NCAA tournament bid.