MEN'S SOCCER NOTEBOOK
Eighth-ranked Vermont (15-3-2, 5-1-1 AE) hosts the Third Round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history Saturday (Nov. 26) when it faces UCLA (12-6-1, 4-4-1) at Virtue Field. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET. Tickets for the public are officially sold out. UVM students can still claim their tickets on Saturday from 6-7 p.m. by visiting the Gutterson Box Office. Students must have their CATcard to claim their ticket.
 
RELATED LINKS
Watch | Live Stats
CatamounTV Press Conference: Coach Dow
 
CATS IN THE THIRD ROUND
The Catamounts have made it to the Third Round for the first time since 1989, and the second time in program history. The '89 Vermont team won a program-best 19 games that season, but suffered a 2-1 overtime loss at Rutgers.
 
SCOUTING THE BRUINS
UCLA upset sixth-seeded Clemson 2-1 to advance out of the Second Round. Tucker Lepley scored the clinching goal in the 79th minute to defeat the defending National Champions. Tommy Sosa and Jose Silva lead the Bruins as Pac-12 All-Conference Second Team honorees this season. Jose Contell was an Honorable Mention by the league, leading his squad with 12 points (4 goals, 4 assists). Nate Crockford has started in 18 games this season as UCLA's main goalkeeper, posting a 0.89 goals against average and 0.789 save percentage. The Bruins entered the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 26 in the RPI, 11 spots below the Catamounts.
 
INSIDE THE SERIES
Vermont and UCLA meet for the fourth time in series history and the third time in the Green Mountain State. The Catamounts are in search of their first win over the Bruins. Vermont and UCLA tied 0-0 in their first-ever meeting in 1979.  
 
THE COMEBACK CATS
The Catamounts have mounted comebacks in each of their victories so far in the NCAA Tournament. Vermont battled back from a one-goal deficit late in the second half to defeat Quinnipiac 3-2 (2OT) in the First Round. The Catamounts then scored three goals in the final 25 minutes to defeat No. 11 SMU 3-2 in Round 2.
 
LILLIE'S WINNER
Garrett Lillie's second goal of the season came at a monumental time, scoring the game-winning goal in the 86th minute to defeat SMU. The fifth-year senior tracked down a cross at the top of the 18-yard box and snuck a kick inside the right corner for the clinching tally.
 
TD BANK STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Max Murray was named TD Bank Student-Athlete of the Week after scoring twice in the victory at SMU. Murray scored Vermont's first two-goals to spark the comeback. He has three goals so far in the NCAA Tournament.
 
CATS IN THE TOURNAMENT
UVM's NCAA Tournament berth is its 12th in program history. The Catamounts are 6-10-2 in tournament history with last weekend's victory over SMU matching its deepest run since 1989.
 
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