The NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Committee has selected UC Santa Barbara to host the 2010 Men’s College Cup December 10 and 12 at Meredith Field at Harder Stadium.

It marks the first time UC Santa Barbara will host the event, but the sixth time for the championship in the state of California (2005 in Carson, 1981 in Palo Alto, 1966 and 1977 in Berkeley and 1969 in San Jose).

“UCSB, Santa Barbara and the central coast area is a great choice for celebrating the Men’s College Cup,” said Mark Massari, UC Santa Barbara director of athletics. “Now the fun begins. We look forward to working with our local community and civic leaders to make this event a huge success. We are on the national stage.”

“We are so pleased and honored that the NCAA and the men’s soccer committee has awarded the 2010 Men’s College Cup to UC Santa Barbara,” said UC Santa Barbara Chancellor Henry T. Yang. “This is such an exciting opportunity for a great soccer community.”

Charlie Elwood, chair of the Division I Men’s Soccer Committee and director of athletic administration at Fordham, said the committee is excited about heading west for Division I soccer’s premier event. “The area’s reputation as a premier soccer venue, drawing record crowds in a location known for great weather, makes UC Santa Barbara not only an ideal selection to host the Men’s College Cup – it also will continue to foster the sport’s growth.”

For more information on the NCAA Divisions I Men’s Soccer Championship, log on to www.NCAA.com.