Nov. 15, 2010
2010 NCAA Bracket 
WASHINGTON - The Georgetown University men's soccer team earned an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament on Monday afternoon. The team will host UNC-Greensboro on Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the tournament. This marks the squad's first tournament berth since 1997.
"Just getting in for the program is terrific and playing at home is even better," said Head Coach Brian Wiese. "Now we have to get the word out and try to get some people in the stands."
The Hoyas went 11-6-1 on the season winning the BIG EAST Blue Division for the first time since 1994. Along the way the Blue & Gray posted a nine-game win streak including victories over two nationally-ranked opponents. Georgetown defeated three ranked teams this season and spent time in the national polls.
Sophomore Ian Christianson (Cedar Rapids, Iowa/Christian Life) was a First Team All-BIG EAST honoree and the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year. Freshman Steve Neumann (New Hope, Pa./Council Rock North) earned Second Team All-BIG EAST and both him and classmate Joey Dillon (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams) were named to the All-Rookie squad. The coaching staff earned the first BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year award with Wiese at the helm.
Georgetown's NCAA Tournament berth is the first since 1997 and the first under Wiese. During the 1997 season, the Hoyas defeated Virginia Commonwealth in the opening round and fell to Virginia in the second round. The Blue & Gray has had just one prior appearance in the tournament, during the 1994 season which was also the last time an NCAA Tournament game has been played on campus in the fall.
The Hoyas have faced UNC-Greensboro three times in program history, the Spartans hold a 3-0 series advantage. The last meeting was in 2007 when the Blue & Gray opened the season with a 3-0 loss. The two prior meetings were during the regular season in 1993 and 1989.
The Spartans won the Southern Conference earning an automatic bid into the tourney. The squad is 12-5-4 on the year with a 4-1-2 conference mark. The Spartans have not lost since Oct. 2 when they fell to Elon, 1-0, in double overtime.
"I anticipate us being prepared," said Wiese. "Last week was a quiet week and this week it will be a very quick turnaround, but the boys will be ready."
Kickoff on Thursday is set for 1 p.m., at North Kehoe Field. Live stats and a stream will be available at www.GUHoyas.com. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
