November 6, 2006

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Following an 11-7-1 record and a mid-season national ranking of No. 8, the Virginia Tech men's soccer team earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament berths Monday for the first time in program history.

The bracket was announced on ESPNews, and the Hokies learned that they will travel to UNC Greensboro on Saturday for a rematch of last season's NCAA Tournament game. The start time is set for 1 p.m.

Following a first-round bye in 2005, the Hokies hosted the Spartans on Nov. 22 and the two squads played to a 0-0 tie following regulation and two overtime sessions. UNC Greensboro advanced to the third round following a 4-3 advantage in penalty kicks. UNC Greensboro holds the all-time series edge with the Hokies, 7-4-1.

The Hokies' last game of 2006 came on Oct. 31, when they lost to N.C. State by a score of 4-3 in the opening game of the ACC Championships. UNC Greensboro (14-7-1) is coming off its second Southern Conference title in as many years, having defeated Georgia Southern, 3-0, in the championship game on Sunday.

This is Virginia Tech's third NCAA Tournament appearance, all of which have come in the last four seasons under head coach Oliver Weiss. The Hokies' first bid came in 2003 when they hosted the Clemson Tigers, and advanced to the second round via penalty kicks following a 3-3 regulation draw. They went on to lose at VCU, 5-2, in the second round.

Because games decided by penalty kicks are officially recognized as ties, the Hokies' NCAA Tournament record is 0-1-2.

Should the Hokies win on Saturday, they would move on to face West Virginia in the second round on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. The two squads played an exhibition match back on Aug. 17, with the Mountaineers winning, 1-0.

The full championship bracket can be viewed at: http://ncaasports.com/soccer/mens/brackets/viewable/straight64_dyn/2006/DI.