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Men's soccer: UT set for conference tourney

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BY EREZ LADETZKY

News Channel 8 Intern

Published: November 5, 2009

Three things are working in favor of the University of Tampa men's soccer team heading into the Sunshine State Conference Tournament.

The Spartans earned a bye and the No. 2 seed by finishing 7-1 (14-1-1 overall).

UT plays Nova Southeastern in its first game of the tourney Friday (8 p.m.), after the sixth seed upset No. 3 Lynn in the quarterfinals. That was good news for the Spartans, as they struggled past Lynn, 2-1, in two overtimes earlier this season. Tampa defeated Nova Southeastern, 6-1, in the only meeting between the teams.

Finally, the Spartans have home-field advantage as they are the host of the tourney. UT is unbeaten at Pepin Stadium this season.

"We all know this is going to be a tough game. It's an SSC opponent so it's going to be tough," said UT forward Pascal Milien, a National Player of the Year candidate. "It means a lot to have home field. It is what we have been working for all year. We just need to take it to the next step now."

The winner of this game will play in Sunday's championship against the winner of Friday's 5:30 p.m. matchup between No. 4 Barry vs. No. 1 Rollins.

"We have to take every game like it's a final four game and it could be our last," Tampa's Mike Bethel said. "Our home crowd has always supported us. I think we have the best home field in the conference."

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