When Virginia Tech men's soccer lost star GK Ben Lundgaard and star F Marcelo Acuna, both selected in the MLS Draft, to graduation, many wondered if the Hokies could continue the high level of success that those two players established during the previous two seasons.
This season, the Hokies proved that the answer was a resounding yes finishing seventh in a loaded ACC that may be the strongest men's soccer conference in any single season in recent memory. Because of that and a quality 10-6-3 record that only included one loss to a non-ACC team, the Hokies were rewarded with a national seed for this year's NCAA Tournament.
https://twitter.com/HokiesMSoccer/status/1062045892478406657
Virginia Tech has received the #12 national seed and will face the winner of Charlotte-Georgia State this Sunday at Thompson Field. This is the third-straight season that the Hokies have made the NCAA Tournament, but the first time that the Hokies have received a national seed.
If Charlotte defeats Georgia State, it will set up a rematch of a game from two years ago when Virginia Tech upset the then #10 seed Charlotte in the 2016 NCAA Tournament during their run to the quarterfinals.
Looking ahead, the Hokies could face some familiar foes should they get past the second round with VT likely to face #5 North Carolina in the Round of 16 with the Tar Heels having a 2-0 advantage so far this year. If they get to the quarterfinals, #4 seed Louisville is the most likely opponent with #13 Georgetown being the other national seed in this quarter of the bracket.
Before the Hokies made their first NCAA Tournament under Mike Brizendine three years ago, the Hokies' head coach entered the season on the hottest seat among coaches in Blacksburg. Now, his program is among the preeminent nationally in what has been an impressive turnaround for VT men's soccer program.
Congrats to Virginia Tech men's soccer on making the NCAA Tournament and earning a national seed.
Photo Credit: Dave Knachel/Virginia Tech Athletics
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