Lynchburg, Va. -- The University of Lynchburg men's soccer squad is geared up for the NCAA tournament. First up is a rematch against Emory on Saturday, November 16 at 3:30 p.m. on Shellenberger Field.

The Hornets claim a spot in the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in as many years and 20th occasion in program history. Last season, Lynchburg paired up against Ohio Northern in the first round and fell in a penalty shootout. The score was knotted at 1-1 at the end of regulation, then ONU took the lead in the first 15 minutes of extra time. With just under 13 minutes left in the extra period, the Hornets equalized the score, but ultimately fell in penalties, 7-6.

The last time Lynchburg advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament was in 2017 after defeating Penn State-Abington with a 3-0 victory. The Hornets match up against Emory for the second time this season. In the John P. Salamone Invitational, Lynchburg dropped the matchup against the Eagles, 2-1. That contest was over two months ago and both sides have developed greatly since their first clash. 

Junior Benjamin Velasquez and freshman William Casey headline a stout defensive unit for the Hornets. Velasquez was tabbed the conference Defensive Player of the Year, while Casey was named ODAC Rookie of the Year. The Hornets have allowed just .53 goals per game this season, which ranks ninth in Division III. Emory's top scorer this season has been Ryan Winkler with 10 goals in 15 games played. 

The winner of Saturday's affair will advance to the second round and face the winner of Dickinson and St. Mary's (MD) on Sunday, November 17 at 3 p.m. on Shellenberger Field. 

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