FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – For the first time since 2014, the Nova Southeastern men's soccer team is back in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, set to host Florida Tech during the quarterfinal round Monday night at 6 p.m.

In just three short seasons, head coach Matt Watts has transformed the program from one that earned four wins in 2016 into one that enters the postseason with an impressive record of 11-3-1, including 7-2-1 in the SSC. The Sharks are unbeaten in their last three matches, and clinched the tournament's No. 4 seed following a scoreless draw less than a week ago against Lynn, the national runner-up in 2017.

"It was a great regular season for the lads," said Watts. "I am so proud of them, but it's a new season now heading into postseason play. It's exciting for this program to be back in this position and the boys are ready to play. Florida Tech is a quality program with a lot of experience in these situations. They pose a lot of issues for us. Now it's a case of putting everything in practice into the game tonight."

Monday's matchup marks the second of the season between both the Sharks and Panthers, with Nova Southeastern getting the best of Florida Tech, 1-0, in round one during late September. The game featured just six combined shots on goal, although the Sharks managed to make Bradley Fountain's goal in the 12^th minute stand in what was Nova Southeastern's first victory over Florida Tech in nine years.

The winner of the contest will advance to Thursday's SSC Tournament semifinal round against Palm Beach Atlantic. More importantly, a victory also keeps either the Sharks or Panthers in the thick of reaching the NCAA Tournament, which will be announced on Monday, Nov. 5.

For complete coverage of the action, visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_MSoccer.