UCSB will play Providence in the second round of the NCAA men’s soccer tournament on Sunday at Harder Stadium. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.
Providence advanced by defeating Ivy League champion Dartmouth, 1-0, in a first-round match on Thursday in Rhode Island. Defender John Raley scored the goal in the 10th minute off a cross from playmaking midfielder Marc Cintron.
Sunday will be the first meeting between the two schools.
The Friars (11-7-1) finished fifth in the Big East Conference Blue Division. They won four of their last five regular season matches and lost to Louisville, 5-0, in the first round of the Big East Tournament.
Providence is led offensively by freshman midfielder Marcos Ugarte with six goals and three assists (15 points). He was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team. Sophomore Greg Davis also scored six goals. Cintron, the team leader in assists with four, earned All-Big East third-team honors.
The Friars are coached by Chaka Daley, a former Providence player, who is in his 12th season at the helm. This is the second straight season he has led them to the second round of the tournament. They were beaten by Ohio State last year.
UCSB is making its 10th straight NCAA appearance. The 15th-seeded Gauchos (14-6-1) received a first-round bye. They have a 10-1 record at home in the tournament.
Providence will be the third Big West team the Gauchos have played this year at home. Back in September they defeated West Virginia 2-0 and tied Villanova 0-0.
