The No. 11 men's soccer team learned Monday that it earned an at-large bid in the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament. The team will travel to Philadelphia this Thursday to face Drexel University in the first round of the tournament.
"The draw was nerve-wracking since we were the last game announced, but everyone is excited for the opportunity to continue this season," said co-captain Eric Robertson '13.
"Since it's at home it could be said that they are the favorites, but the team is feeling great mentally and physically, and we are focused and excited for Thursday's game," said Head Coach Patrick Laughlin.
Though the Bears suffered a heartbreaking loss against Dartmouth last Friday in their final game of the regular season - ending their 12-game unbeaten streak - they proved all year long that they are a competitive nationally ranked team. The Bears concluded the regular season with an impressive 12-2-3 record and 4-1-2 record in the Ivy League to place third.
Bruno has experience on the national scene, but Drexel, which ended its regular season with a 12-3-3 record, will give the Bears a challenge.
"They are a good team and are the favorites," said Voltaire Escalona '14. "We are embracing the role as underdogs and are determined and focused on ending Drexel's season Thursday night. ... We are going for glory."
Thursday's game marks Drexel's first appearance in the tournament since 1972. The team earned its at-large bid as a result of winning the Colonial Athletic Association Championship 2-0 over James Madison University.
The Dragons boast a strong backline, and senior goalkeeper Tim Washam is ranked 13th in the nation for fewest goals allowed per game. They also have an aggressive offense led by Nathan Page, Fabio Machado and Ken Tribbett.
"Going down to Drexel won't be easy, but our schedule so far has prepared us well," said goalie Sam Kernan-Schloss '13. "Our team has come together and we believe that we can beat anybody right now."
The Bears will look to their resilient defense, anchored by co-captains Ryan McDuff '13 and Robertson, as well as Dylan Remick '13 and Alex Markes '15, to continue doing what they have done well all season. The defense has allowed just 10 goals this year, and goalie Kernan-Schloss ranks first in the conference and third in the country in goals against average.
Bruno's offense has come out firing in its most recent games, led by forward Ben Maurey '15 who has scored four goals in the last five games. The team will also look to Bobby Belair '13, Thomas McNamara '12.5, Escalona and rookie Tim Whalen '16 to help lead at the forefront.
This will be the Bears' 27th appearance in the NCAA tournament and marks their seventh trip in the past eight years. Last season, Bruno defeated both Fairfield and St. John's in the first two rounds to advance to the NCAA's Sweet 16 for the second straight year, where they were edged in overtime by St. Mary's 3-2 in a thrilling home game.
"We are definitely feeling confident about this season's NCAA tournament draw," Kernan-Schloss said. "The tournament is a brand new slate and a brand new season, so we are excited to make a run."
Whichever team comes out on top in Thursday's game will earn a date with No. 2 seed and ACC Champion Maryland (17-1-2) Nov. 18.
"Thursday should be a good game, but we expect to come out on top and make a run for the title," Robertson said.
