WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Serving as an assistant coach, former UNCW men's soccer player
Austin MacPhee has helped Northern Ireland secure a berth in the Euro 2016 finals.
MacPhee, who played at UNCW from 1999-2002, coached a Northern Ireland team which will make its first appearance in a major tournament since 1986.
Northern Ireland earned its first-ever Euro 2016 berth after a 3-1 victory over Greece at Windsor Park, securing a first place finish in its qualifying group with a 6-1-3 record. Northern Ireland also led Group F with 15 goals and was second with a +8 goal differential.
In three years with the Seahawks, MacPhee scored six goals with three assists, including a four-goal, two-assist effort as a senior. He missed the 2001 season due to injury, but returned to play in 17 matches as a senior.
Prior to joining the Northern Ireland staff, MacPhee served as an assistant coach for St. Mirren in the Scottish Premier League.
Euro 2016, which is the second-largest tournament behind the World Cup, will feature 24 nations and 51 games over a 31-day span. The tournament draw will take place on Dec. 12.
The Euro 2016 winner will earn the right to participate in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Russia.
