MSU coach Damon Rensing said it is a privilege for the Spartans or any team to just be in the tournament, no matter the placement.

The 2018 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer tournament bracket was released Monday, and the Michigan State men’s soccer team will make an appearance in the field for the 20th time in program history.

"It's just not another tournament … I'd say it's a privilege. It's hard, it is really hard to get into the NCAA tournament. I used math the other day, I mean you've got 48 teams out of 206 but in a conference like the Big Ten you've got to win the automatic (bid), which is really hard," Rensing said.

"It's awesome and it's a privilege and we're very proud."

The Spartans will host University of Illinois-Chicago Thursday in a first-round matchup at DeMartin Stadium at 7 p.m., and will take on No. 4 Louisville on Sunday if they advance.