Spartans Tabbed Third in Final NSCAA Poll
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team achieved its highest final ranking since 2001 as it was chosen third by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The ranking comes after UT finished the season in the national semifinals.
The Spartans turned in an impressive 18-4-1 season where it advanced to the NCAA Final Four for the first time since 2001. The Spartans defeated number-one Lynn to capture the NCAA South Regional championship and then advanced to the semifinals with a 3-2 victory over fifth-ranked Tusculum in a double overtime thriller on the road.
With just one senior in its starting lineup, the Spartans were impressive on both ends of the field, as its 196 points marked the most since 1997. Defensively, UT registered 10 shutouts, the most since 1987 as its 128 saves represents a UT single-season record.
"There is a lot to be proud of when looking back at where we started in 2005 and seeing where we are now," says head coach Adrian Bush. "It is a credit to the hard work that our players have put in along with the trust in our athletics program."
The Spartans now focus on the 2009 season, where it looks to return 10 of 11 starters. Tampa also welcomes back defender Daniel Bergstrand, who was a regular starter in 2006 and 2007, before redshirting in 2008.
"It has been a terrific year and we must continue to build on this success in 2009," says Bush. "August of 2009 cannot come soon enough."