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BIG EAST Men's Soccer Finals Headed to State-of-the-Art Pro Stadium
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The BIG EAST has entered into a dynamic partnership with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer (MLS) and will have the BIG EAST Men's Soccer Championship finals at the Red Bulls' state-of-the-art arena beginning in 2010.
Red Bull Arena is the brand-new, 25,000-seat stadium with a 360-degree roof and 30 suites that will host the Red Bulls' home opener on March 27, 2010. The soccer-specific facility in Harrison, N.J. will host the BIG EAST Championship semifinals and title game through the 2012 season. "We will be playing our tournament in the best soccer stadium in the country, in an area that is passionate about soccer," said St. John's coach Dave Masur. DePaul advanced to the BIG EAST semifinals in 2007 and 2008 and reached the quarterfinals last month. Since the BIG EAST became the nation's largest Division I soccer conference with 16 teams in 2004, the league has placed an average of six teams into the NCAA tournament field of 48 each year. In 2006 and 2007, a record seven BIG EAST teams advanced to the NCAA tournament. Connecticut won the NCAA title in 1981 and 2000 and St. John's won the 1996 title and advanced to the NCAA semifinals last year. "We are excited about the partnership with the Red Bulls and Red Bull Arena," said Louisville coach Ken Lolla. "It will provide BIG EAST men's soccer the opportunity to showcase some of the country's best soccer talent in one of the nation's best venues."
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