November 20, 2001

Columbia, S. C. – The University of South Carolina men’s soccer team (12-4-2) is one of 16 teams to host the first and second round of the NCAA Men’s Soccer Tournament, announced today by the NCAA Selection Committee. South Carolina received an at-large bid, to join the 48-team field. A total of 20 automatic bids and 28 at-large bids were awarded.

Joining USC in Columbia will be Furman University and the University of Alabama- Birmingham. The Paladins and Blazers will face each other in the first round of action on Friday, Nov. 23 at 7:00 p.m . The Gamecocks, receiving a first-round bye, will face the winner of the Furman-UAB matchup on Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2:00 p.m.

The winner of Sunday’s match advances to the third round of the NCAA Tournament where they will face the winner of the following teams: Clemson. Kentucky or Mercer. Clemson plays the winner of the Kentucky-Mercer match.

This marks the 15th time USC has advanced to the NCAA Tournament, and the ninth year the Gamecocks have hosted the first and second rounds of the tournament. South Carolina is 10-7 at home during the NCAA’s.