INDIANAPOLIS – For the first time in 10 years, Drury men's soccer is heading back to the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers earned the No. 10 seed in Super Region 3 of the 2026 NCAA Division II Men's Soccer Tournament, announced by the NCAA on Monday evening.
 
The NCAA announced the 40-team field with 10 teams selected from each of the four super regions. Super Region 3 features four teams from the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), three from the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC), two from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), and one from the Great American Conference/Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (GAC/MIAA).
 
Lincoln earned the top seed in Super Region 3, followed by Saginaw Valley State, Fort Hays State, Findlay, Northern Michigan, Lake Erie, Maryville, Roosevelt, Purdue Northwest and Drury.
 
The Panthers (11-4-3) will face No. 7 seed and GLVC opponent Maryville (11-4-4) in the opening round on Friday, Nov. 13, at Saginaw Valley State. The winner will advance to face the second-seeded Cardinals in the second round on Sunday, Nov. 15.
 
"Really excited to make my first tournament as a coach. The guys really deserved it; we are excited for a second chance, and we want to make the most of it," said head coach Ben Taylor during Drury's selection show watch party.
 
The Panthers return to the national tournament for the first time since 2016, when they advanced to the Round of 16. Drury opened its postseason run with a 2-1 victory over Saginaw Valley State on the road before defeating Tiffin 2-1 in the second round. The Panthers ultimately saw their season end against Rockhurst in the Round of 16, falling in a penalty kick shootout after a 1-1 draw.
 
Drury's 11 victories this season are the most under Taylor. The Panthers were ranked as high as No. 8 nationally during the regular season, their highest ranking since 2013.
 
The Panthers will look to build on their return to the national tournament, beginning Friday against a familiar GLVC opponent.

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