Men's Soccer Southern Conference

Davidson To Face Coastal Carolina In NCAA First Round

DAVIDSON, N.C. - The Davidson men's soccer team will get a chance to avenge an early season 1-0 loss to No. 18 Coastal Carolina as the teams are slated for a first round matchup in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats and Chanticleers will do battle on Friday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m., at Coastal Soccer Field.

"We are extremely excited to be in the tournament," said head coach Matt Spear. "It is great to be back. It was a lot of fun to have a good group of the student body with us to hear the announcement. Coastal Carolina is a very talented team. We know them well from our early season meeting and are looking forward to another shot."

Davidson faced Coastal Carolina in the second game of the season in Conway, S.C. Although the 'Cats held a 10-8 shot advantage, Chanticleer forward Boyzzz Khumalo scored the lone goal midway through the first half. The Wildcats are 1-3-1 all-time against Coastal Carolina and have met once before in the NCAA Tournament. In 1992, the teams tied 0-0 in the second round of the tournament, but Davidson advanced on penalty kicks.

"This is a great draw," said senior captain David Peoples. "We had many chances to beat them earlier this year, but they have several talented forwards that won the game for them. We are excited to go back for another shot."

Davidson earned the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by winning the Southern Conference Tournament championship this past weekend. The Wildcats posted shutout victories over Wofford, Furman and College of Charleston to bring home the crown. It was the 'Cats' first league title since 1995 and third overall. Senior Nick Hansell was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after scoring three goals, including two game-winners, in the tournament.

The 2003 Wildcats also earned the SoCon regular season title, recording a 6-1 mark in the league. It was Davidson's first outright title since 1971. The postseason berth marks Davidson's third-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats are 1-2-2 in the tournament, with the two ties resulting in advancement by penalty kicks. The 'Cats are currently on a four-game winning streak.

With a win on Friday evening, the Wildcats will face the fourth-seeded North Carolina Tar Heels on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Davidson lost 1-0 to UNC earlier this season.