The U soccer team (13-5-3) found out Monday that it will face the Colorado Buffaloes (14-5-2) in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The game will take place in Portland, Ore., at Merlo Field, the home site of host Portland University (17-3-0) on Friday at 4:30 p.m.
“[Colorado is] a good team,” U head coach Rich Manning said. “It’s going to be a very even match-up.”No. 5 Portland will face Big Sky champions Weber State (8-9-2) directly afterward, and the winners of the two games will play on Sunday at 1 p.m. for a trip to the Sweet 16.
This is the third straight NCAA tournament appearance for the Utes, who have a 1-1-1 record. Two years ago, they beat BYU in the first round before falling to Portland in the second round. Last year, the Utes and Idaho State Bengals ended the second overtime period in a 0-0 tie, with the Bengals advancing on a shootout victory.
Colorado appeared in its first NCAA tournament last year, losing to BYU in the first round.
“Last year was [Colorado’s] first year, and I think they were just excited to be there,” Manning said. “I think this year they will be out to win a game and they will be motivated.”
The Utes and Buffs met earlier this year at the Wake Forest classic, with the Buffs scoring a 1-0 victory.
Matt Ouellette