Despite an upset in the semi-finals of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation postseason tournament, the men’s soccer team will be playing in the NCAA tournament for the second time in three seasons.

The Pioneers (9-6-4) travel to Santa Barbara, Calif., to take on the Santa Barbara Gauchos (13-4-3) tonight in a first round contest that begins at 8 p.m. MST.

“The team worked hard all year to win our second Mountain Pacific Sports Federation regular season championship, and I am happy the selection committee rewarded us with an at-large bid,” said head coach Bobby Muuss.

DU was able to extend their season by earning at an-large bid to the NCAA tournament on Monday after a 3-1 loss to Sacramento State last Friday. The Hornets went on to win their second consecutive MPSF tournament and received the conferences automatic bid into the NCAA tournament.

In addition to the Pioneers and the Hornets, the New Mexico Lobos were given an at-large bid, giving the MPSF three teams in the NCAA tournament.

With a 6-2-2 record in conference and a strong out-of-conference schedule, the Pioneers were able to gain the NCAA committee’s recognition, despite starting the season 1-2-2 and not winning their conference’s postseason tournament.

“It’s a testament to the character of this group to bounce back from a challenging start to the season to get back to the NCAA Tournament,” Muuss said. “We had some ups and some downs this year and we faced a lot of adversity, and I think the guys were rewarded for playing a tough schedule.”

If Denver wins they will travel to Berkeley, Calif., to play No. 6-seeded California in the second round. Earlier this season, the Pioneers tied the Golden Bears 2-2 in the Stanford Nike Classic on Sept. 24.

UC Santa Barbara is hosting the 2010 College Cup with the NCAA semifinals on Dec. 10 and the championship game on Dec. 12.