OVU Men’s Soccer Team in the NCAA “Sweet 16”

Ohio Valley University is pleased to announce that their Men’s Soccer team will be taking part in the 2019 NCAA Division II Soccer tournament “Sweet Sixteen” this Friday, December 6th.  The Fighting Scots (13-4-2) will be facing the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) for a right to move on in the tournament.  Game time will be 3pm.

“Making the Sweet 16 is a true testament to our student-athletes and their character,” says first-year coach, Jordan Valentine.  “This is the third year in a row that we have made the Sweet 16. We are proving many people wrong that we are not just a team that had a lucky run one year. We are a program that is proving it belongs among the nation’s elite. As one of the smallest NCAA D2 universities in the country, we are proud to represent OVU and let people know who the Fighting Scots are.”

OVU earned the right to play in this game with a shutout road victory over McKendree University (Lebanon, Ill.) on November 24th.  The Fighting Scots found the goal just 7 minutes into the contest off of the foot of Freshman David Bercato.  An insurance goal mid-second half secured the victory.

Valentine says there were two key reasons they won that game: a solid game plan and team unity.   “We had some key seniors missing in this game and through adversity; it brought the group even closer. We wanted to give our seniors another chance to get back on the field. Our preparation was excellent and the team executed our game plan tremendously. I'm very proud of how they played, and the character they showed on the field.”

UIndy’s road to the Sweet 16 has been an incredible run due to the fact they ousted No. 1-seed Lake Erie from the tournament. The Greyhounds come into this matchup with a record of 14-1-3.  Valentine says his team will be up to the task.

“UIndy is a tough team that just upset two higher seeded opponents in our super region. We will keep the same mindset from our last victory and focus on one game at a time. We are excited for the game and we are committed to be the best we can be on Friday.”

The action takes place at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium in Louisville, Ky.  What’s at stake is the chance to get a step closer to NCAA Division II Men’s Soccer National Championship which will take place December 14 in Pittsburgh, Pa.