UT Set To Meet Barry In SSC Semifinals

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - For the second consecutive year, the No. 22 University of Tampa men's soccer team will meet No. 12 Barry University in the Sunshine State Conference semifinals. The teams will meet in Miami Shores on Friday at 7 p.m.

"Make no mistake about it, this is about the players and the hard work they put in each day," says UT head coach Adrian Bush. "Nobody gave us a chance this year with us losing eight starters from last year's team. We believe in our system, trust in the work and preparation for each match, and when it comes game time, this is a player's game."

The Buccaneers earned a share of the 2010 SSC regular season championship with Rollins College and are the number one seed in the tournament, with the Spartans entering as the fourth seed. The winner will advance to Sunday's final to meet the winner of the Florida Tech and Rollins match.

"Barry is the SSC preseason number one with most of their players getting the SSC post season honors," comments Bush. "We just hope to be competitive."

Since the SSC began its postseason tournament in 2003, UT has captured one title. The 2007 SSC tournament champions also own 14 SSC regular season titles.

Barry has won two straight matches over UT, taking the regular season meeting by a 3-2 score in double overtime. In last year's SSC semifinal in Tampa, Barry claimed a 2-0 victory en route to the SSC tournament title. Prior to the 2009 semifinal, UT had won four straight over the Bucs.

The Buccaneers are led by SSC Player and Offensive Player of the Year Sascha Koettig and SSC Coach of the Year Steve McCrath. A total of three Buccaneers were represented on the first-team, including Koettig, Mark Anderson and goalkeeper Johnny Rodrigues.

"Barry vs. Tampa is a very respected rivalry even though we are on opposite sides of the state," says Bush. "We have a lot of respect for their program, their staff and it's always a game where you see the two teams lay it on the line. We will need to be at our best Friday night, as the underdog on the road, it's a great opportunity for us against what some feel is the 'best team in the south region. Games are won on the field; hopefully our preparation is up to par."

The game will begin at 7 p.m. Live stats and a webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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