Talking to athletic director Doug Woolard on Monday afternoon, he had one hope for USF's men's soccer team -- getting a top-eight seed in the NCAA Tournament, which was to be announced Monday night. The Bulls had gone into this weekend's Big East tournament hopeful of a top-16 seed -- which meant a first-round bye -- but came away with the Big East crown after wins against Notre Dame and St. John's.
Sure enough, the NCAA draw was unveiled on ESPNews on Monday night, and there was USF with the No. 8 seed, which gives them their first two NCAA Tournament games at home, where the Bulls haven't lost this season.
The Bulls, with the No. 8 seed, will play Tuesday, Nov. 25, at home against the winner of this weekend's game between Massachusetts and Harvard. Winning that second-round game could mean a third-round meeting with ninth-seeded Loyola (Md.), and the Bulls' first game on the road would be in the quarterfinals -- as far as USF has ever advanced in the NCAAs -- against No. 1 seed and defending champion Wake Forest.
It's big news for USF soccer, not only getting the first-round bye but the respect of a top-eight seed and the confidence that comes with playing the next two games at home. More to come ...
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Great to see one of USF's football teams doing so well.
Posted by: Doug Currier II | November 18, 2008 at 09:42 AM
I will be there as well. I hope seats are still available for this bandwagon.
Posted by: Kyle | November 18, 2008 at 09:04 AM
I will be at the game!
Posted by: Awesome | November 17, 2008 at 10:59 PM
Good for them!
Posted by: DELdaBULL | November 17, 2008 at 10:22 PM