INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Committee revealed their initial top 16 ranking Friday evening, with the Portland Pilots slotting in at fourth.

Earning a top 16 ranking is a crucial designation in the NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament. The top 16 teams in the tournament each year earn a first-round bye, advancing directly to the second round and hosting at least one match. The top four teams earn the opportunity to host all the way through the quarterfinals of the tournament.

"The top four teams have been exceptionally competitive in their schedules up to this point in their season," said Brian Mackin, chair of the committee and director of athletics at UNC Greensboro, via press release. "Developing a top 16 ranking was extremely difficult as the next group of teams were very competitive and have strong resumes. They will be in the conversation as we monitor the remaining games of the season and heading into selections."

The NCAA Men's Soccer Tournament field consists of 48 teams, with 23 automatic qualifiers and 25 at-large qualifiers. The field for the 2025 tournament will be revealed on Monday, Nov. 17 on NCAA.com, with this initial list having no bearing on the ultimate selection of the top 16 teams. The tournament begins on Thursday, Nov. 20 with games on campus sites until the College Cup, which will take play in Cary, N.C. from Dec. 12-15. The national championship will be played on Dec. 15.  

The Pilots most recently earned a spot among the top 16 in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, which was the first time they'd earned the honor since 1988. The Pilots have qualified for the NCAA Tournament five times since head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt took the reins, having made it past the first round in four of those five tournament runs, including a trip to the quarterfinals of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

The Pilots are 9-0-3 this season and 2-0-2 in WCC play, with their 12-game undefeated start being their first since the 2018 season. They currently hold a 22-game unbeaten streak that is the longest in program history and the second longest in the nation.
 
The Pilots return home to host the Pacific Tigers this Saturday, Oct. 18 at Merlo Field a 503 match featuring $5 tickets, free parking and $3 hot dogs. Kickoff for the match is set for 7 p.m. Check PortlandPilots.com/503 for tickets and PortlandPilots.com for live stats and video options as well.

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