Men’s Soccer Earns its First-Ever NCAA Tournament National Seed

LEXINGTON, Ky. – For the first time in program history the Kentucky men’s soccer team earned the right to host the second round of the NCAA Tournament, as the 2016 field was announced on Monday.

For the third season in a row and fourth time in the last five years UK earned a bid into the NCAA Tournament.

The Wildcats earned the No. 16 national seed, receiving the first-round bye that goes along with it for the first time in program history.

Kentucky will play the winner of the Tulsa v Creighton match, which will be played in Omaha, Nebraska on Thursday. Sunday’s second-round match will be played at 4:30 p.m. ET at The Bell.

The Wildcats, with a 2016 record of won 11, lost 4, drew 3 went 2-0 against teams that earned national seeds this season.

Kentucky went undefeated (8-0-2) at The Bell this season.

UK has a 1-7-2 record in the NCAA Tournament all-time. The Wildcats reached the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons for the first time since a three-year run from 1999-2001.

Kentucky’s best NCAA Tournament finish was a Sweet 16 in 2000.

Kentucky has now made the NCAA Tournament in all-but one of head coach Johan Cedergren’s five years at the helm of the program. Cedergren reached four NCAA Tournaments in quicker succession than any other coach in UK history.

The Wildcats dropped their most recent NCAA Tournament game, 2-1 to Drake at The Bell last season.

Logistics
Tickets are on sale now through the UK ticket office and online for $8 for adults, $5 for youth (ages 3-18) and seniors (ages 65+).  Fans aged two and younger get in for free.

UK students with valid ID will be provided a complimentary ticket, courtesy of UK Athletics, by checking in at the marketing gazebo at the main entrance. Fans may purchase tickets in advance by ordering online or by calling (800) 928-2287 Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Fans may also purchase tickets in person beginning 90 minutes prior to the match Sunday at The Bell ticket windows. 

The NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship has a field of 48 teams. Twenty-three conference champions qualify automatically; the balance of the field was selected at-large by the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Committee.

The NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship has a field of 48 teams. Twenty-three conference champions qualify automatically; the balance of the field was selected at-large by the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Committee.

The best coverage of UK men’s soccer is available via UKMensSoccer handles on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.