Louisville faces Dayton in NCAA Tournament opener

The University of Louisville men’s soccer team is gearing up for their opening round match in the NCAA Tournament against Dayton. The game is set to take place on Thursday night at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. The match will be televised on ESPN+ for fans to enjoy.

Tickets for Thursday’s game are priced at $10 for adults and $5 for youth. They can be purchased online at GoCards.com/MSOCNCAA or at the ticket window at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium.

As the Cardinals head into the tournament, they hold an 11-5-3 overall record. They have reached the semifinal round of the ACC Championship, showcasing their strength and talent on the field. Louisville is determined to secure their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2019, after suffering three consecutive losses leading up to Thursday’s match. Their last victory in the tournament came against UC Davis in the second round of the 2019 edition.

The matchup between Louisville and Dayton is not a frequent occurrence, with their last meeting dating back to 2003. The Cardinals have struggled in this series, trailing 2-15-1 overall against the Flyers.

Under the guidance of head coach John Michael Hayden, the Cardinals have earned their third straight NCAA Tournament berth. This marks their 15th appearance in the tournament, all of which have happened in the last 17 seasons. Louisville stands alongside Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wake Forest as one of the six programs to qualify for at least 15 of the last 17 tournaments. In their tournament history, the Cardinals hold a 16-13-2 record, with a 13-7-2 record at home and a 6-5-1 record at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium.

Louisville has faced a challenging schedule this season, deliberately seeking out tough opponents. They have played nine matches against teams that have qualified for the NCAA Tournament, as well as two exhibition matches against postseason teams. Their record against tournament teams stands at 3-4-2, with notable victories against Kentucky, Pitt, and the No. 2 national seed Notre Dame.

Several Cardinals players have received All-ACC honors this fall. Damien Barker John and Sander Roed were selected to the second team, while Josh Jones made it to the third team. Barker John has been a standout performer, leading the team in points and goals this season. Roed has consistently been recognized for his talent during his three seasons at Louisville. Jones and Barker John are both first-time honorees.

Fans can keep up with Louisville men’s soccer on social media by following them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LouisvilleMSOC.