Limestone to host NCAA Division II soccer tournament game today

The Limestone Saints will host Lander University in the opening round of the NCAA Division II men's soccer tournament today at 1 p.m. at Saints Field.

This marks Limestone's second appearance in the tournament.

The Saints were a "Sweet Sixteen" team in 2006. The squad is coming off a record-setting year in 2008, posting the best record in school history (15-2-2).

Limestone also set a new school record for shutouts (10), wins (15), fewest goals (16), and fewest losses (2).

"Congratulations to Coach Alsop, his staff and our men's soccer team on their outstanding 2008 season," said Mike Cerino, Limestone's Director of Athletics. "It is a very exciting time to be hosting the first round of the NCAA Division II men's soccer tournament. Limestone College looks forward to hosting this prestigious event."

This is the first NCAA men's soccer national tournament event Limestone has had the privilege of hosting.

The Saints have hosted the semifinals of the NCAA Division II men's lacrosse championship in 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004.

The top six teams from each of the Southeast region at the conclusion of the regular season receive bids to the national tournament. The national field consists of 32 teams.

The Southeast region's firstround matchups feature Limeestone vs. Lander, Carson-Newman vs. Francis Marion. Tusculum and Lees-McRae earned byes.

The first rounds of the national tournament will take place on Nov. 12, 14, and 16. The tournament quarterfinals are slated for November 22 or 23, with the semifinal and final rounds of the NCAA Championship taking place on Dec. 4 and 6 in Tampa, Fla.