Coach Dwayne Shaffer has had some spectacular men's soccer teams during his 23 seasons at UC Davis.

In 1999, just two years after his arrival on campus, the Aggies made the Division II tournament for the first time in more than two decades. Then, in 2007 and 2008 — the campus' first two years of D-I eligibility — Shaffer took his star-studded UC Davis men (think Quincy Amarikwa and Mark Schulte) into the NCAA Tournament, winning a first-round game in only its second year playing with the big boys.

Now the former Chico State standout by way of coaching gigs at Dayton and powerhouse Clemson, has maybe the greatest men's team in UC Davis poised to make an even bigger splash in the NCAA postseason.

Shaffer's crew, which blazed through the Big West tourney with 2-0 victories over Cal State Fullerton and UC Santa Barbara, gets Louisville on Sunday. The Cardinals knocked off South Florida, 4-1, in a first-round game. Kickoff is 1 p.m. at Aggie Soccer Stadium.

Earning a first-round bye and a No. 14 seed pays special respect to an Aggie crew that stands at 13-4-2 and is undefeated at home (7-0-1).

As expected, Shaffer's week has been hectic. Preparing for an NCAA berth not only comes with more film on potential foes — until the opponent is determined, Shaffer and staff have to prepare for two schools — but requests for coach and play time from media has increased.

Tournament officials have paperwork for the school to complete, enthusiasm at practices always elevates and notes, tweets and emails from well-wishers are pouring in.

Shaffer found time in a crowded schedule to chat with me about his team, earning the precious bye and what that Sunday home crowd could mean to the outcome.

"The week has been exciting," Shaffer understates a little. "It's quite an accomplishment for my program, for my student-athletes. It's been just awesome."

Shaffer says the requests for interviews, while they've increased, "are similar to anytime a team qualifies for a national championship tournament ... a few more people calling, but overall it's been a lot of fun, a great experience for everybody."

On Monday, Shaffer gathered players and staff to watch the NCAA Selection Show in the team room. They convened again today to watch Louisville and South Florida duke in out in a first-round contest.

Louisville, the fourth-place finisher in the Atlantic Division of the ACC, is 9-7-2. In 2010, the Cards were runners-up in the College Cup and have made the NCAA postseason each of the last four seasons.

"(Louisville) is an extremely challenging opponent. We'll give it our best shot. I'm excited," Shaffer adds.

So, where does this UC Davis squad sit in the Pantheon of the coaches storied teams?

"We've have some really cool accomplishments. Back in 1999 ... when I first arrived at Davis, it was great going to the NCAA tournament for the first time in so many years. That was great getting UC Davis back in the national spotlight," remembers Shaffer.

"Being the first UC Davis team to qualify for the Division I Tournament in 2007, then repeating in 2008, winning a game and being ranked as high as fifth in the country in 2008. They've been really cool accomplishments for the players and the department...

"...But I would say this one would rank No. 1 because it's really difficult for (any school) to make the NCAA Tournament in any sport.

"I think it's more difficult that people understand," the coach continues. "But to actually earn a seed — that bye — could actually be the greatest accomplishment of all for this program."

The Big West acknowledged the brilliance of these Aggies when it named Wallis Lapsley Goalkeeper of the Year, selected Shaffer as Coach of the Year and put another eight players on the all-conference team.

Joining Seattle native Lapsley as first-squad selections were defender Nabi Kibunguchy (Cosumnes Oaks High) and Montana product Adam Mickelson, a forward. Second-team members from UC Davis were midfielder Marte Formico (Bellarmine College Prep), Jake  Haupt, a defender by way of San Diego and midfielder Andy Velasquez (Central Valley High).

Honorable mentions went to defender Kristian Heptner from Christian Brothers High) and forward Max Glasser of Marin Catholic). Max Arfsten (a midfielder from Fresno) earned an All-Freshman Team nod.

Only Lapsley, Formico, Heptner and Mickelson are seniors.

As the clock ticks down to the Sunday contest, Shaffer talked about the impact of Aggie home crowds — that last of which was an enthusiastic 1,308 for that pennant-clinching victory over the Gauchos.

"Any time we get the kind of support we go last Friday, and the week before, I think it just plays to a huge advantage for us," believes Shaffer. "It excites everybody to play just a little bit better, be a little more focused, enjoyed the experience a little bit more.

"The crowds are an advantage for us. It's awesome for UC Davis. It's really cool that we get to host a big game like this. And it would be really cool to keep on playing..."

I remember, after four years ago, sitting down with Dwayne Shaffer and exploring what it takes to build a program that gains national attention. He never minced words...

"I feel pretty confident we can beat anybody in the country on any given day. And over the years we've proven that. I've always said — and I tell the recruits and the guys on the team — 'Let's play the best schools and see what happens.

"My goal, and the goal I've set for the program, is to win a national championship. That should be every student-athlete's goal — to win a national championship."

A win on Sunday, and Shaffer's Aggies will be deeper in the postseason than ever before.

Guarantee your seats for Sunday's NCAA Tournament game by purchasing your tickets online, by phone at (530) 752-AGS1 (2471) or in person at the Athletics Ticket Office, located at UC Davis Health Stadium, Monday-Friday between the hours of 10 a.m.-5 p.m.


One of the most well-known and respected sports writers in the industry, former Davis Enterprise sports and managing editor Bruce Gallaudet joined the UC Davis Athletics staff as its feature writer in the summer of 2018. Since then, visitors to UCDavisAggies.com have enjoyed his unique perspective on campus student-athletes, coaches, teams, individuals, programs, events and projects that represent the fifth-ranked public school in the nation.