Huskies Host Cross-Town Rival Seattle U in Opening Round of NCAA Tournament
November 13, 2017 | Men's Soccer
SEATTLE --- Washington's men's soccer team will open the 2017 NCAA Tournament against a familiar foe, hosting cross-town rival Seattle University on Thursday night at 6:00 p.m. at Husky Soccer Stadium.
The Huskies (12-6-1 overall) are making their second-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament and their fifth in seven seasons under Head Coach Jamie Clark.
"We had a very good regular season and I believe our team deserved an NCAA bid and opportunity to continue playing," said Clark. "We have a group that is capable of going far in the tournament but every team we play is good and capable of knocking you out."
Washington side of the bracket provides a pair of familiar opponents, starting with its opening round match against cross-town rival Seattle U. The Huskies and Redhawks have met each season since Seattle U. moved to Division I in 2009. Washington holds a 7-1-1 record in those games including a thrilling 2-0 victory over the Redhawks at Championship Field on September 24.
Seattle U posted an overall record of 14-3-4 and won the Western Athletic Conference championship with a 2-1 victory over San Jose State on Sunday. It was the Redhawks' third WAC title in five years.
The two teams have met before in the NCAA Tournament opening round back in 2013 with the Huskies winning 4-2.
"We have seen Seattle once this year and they were one of the three toughest teams we played," said Clark. "There are certainly easier draws but I wouldn't have it any other way. The game will have an incredible atmosphere."
Thursday night's winner will have a quick turnaround, traveling to face the tournament's No. 5 seed Akron. The Zips won the MAC Tournament with a 3-1 win over Western Michigan on Nov. 12 and finished the season with a 16-3-1 overall record including a perfect 10-0-0 record at home. Washington lost 2-0 at Akron earlier this season in the Zips' home opener on Sept. 1.
Should the Huskies advance into the third round, they could possibly face off against No. 12 seed Notre Dame, a team coached by Coach Clark's father Bobby Clark. The two have never faced off against each other since the younger Clark came to Washington.
Tickets for the match are available now at gohuskies.com or by calling the Husky Ticket Office at 206-543-2200. Prices are $12 for adults and $6 for youth and seniors. The match will quickly sell out and fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance as day-of-game tickets will likely not be available.
