The Sunshine State Conference tournaments begin for both the University of Tampa men’s and women’s soccer team. It is likely that the men will enter the SSC ranked second while the women can be seeded third or fourth.
Both programs compete through a single elimination tournament bracket. Rankings within this bracket are decided by the conference record. Momentum can be important when entering the tournament.
“We’re seven games unbeaten,” said men’s head coach Adrian Bush. “Every year we’ve increased our victories through the regular season. Any time you’re winning 14 games out of 16 or 17 game season, that’s a credit to the players.”
Bush recognized his team’s lack of experience. The squad welcomed 15 new players at the beginning of the year, as well as this year’s leading scorer Pascal Milien who has only worn a Spartan uniform for a half season prior to now.
“They’ve matured very quick, they’re young,” Bush said. “The future looks bright.”
The women have also dealt with new faces. Last year’s national championship game was won with seven starters that will no longer take the field in the postseason.
Also starting are four true freshmen ranging in positions from goalie to forward.
Unlike the men who are guaranteed a first-round bye, it is likely that the Lady Spartans will see early action this Election Day, probably at Florida Southern.
Tampa men will possibly be traveling to Boca, home of the Lynn Fighting Knights. Both UT programs fell to their respective opponents earlier this year away from home.
Either team can continue to advance with a conference title win or an at-large bid into the NCAA South Regional.
Last year, the men fell in the final round of the South Regional, while the women advanced to and won the national championship.
Should either team advance into the Final Four from the South Regional, UT will enjoy home field advantage.
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