Men's Soccer Preview: Catawba

Men’s Soccer action gets underway on Monday as the Bulldogs face off against the Catawba Indians in an exhibition match at Greenwood Field. It will be our first chance to get a look at the 2009 side, which has undergone big changes in the offseason. Although five of the top six scorers from a year ago have graduated, the Bulldogs are loaded with underclassman talent. Leading the charge will be sophomore goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen, who allowed more than two goals in only one match last season, and delivered a shutout against Conference USA power Kentucky. On the offensive end, keep an eye on sophomore Bryan George, the Bulldogs highest returning scorer.

Catawba is also in the midst of a transition, with Liam Farrell arriving from Appalachian State to take over as the new head coach. Alex Koslick, the Indians leading scorer last year, has transferred to UNC Asheville and will be facing off against his old school in the match. Senior forward Andrew Landry and sophomore midfielder Kevin Sorensen, the top two returning scorers for Catawba, will be dangerous. Catawba turned in a disappointing 4-14 record last year to finish 7th in the South Atlantic Conference. The SAC poll has them finishing 7th again this year.

The Bulldogs finished 6th in the Big South with a record of 7-8-4 a year ago, and are projected to finish 7th this year in the conference’s preseason poll. However, 18th year head coach Steve Cornish and the Bulldogs expect to finish much higher. UNC Asheville lost only one match by more than a goal last year, despite a non-conference slate that included a number of major conference opponents. The young Bulldogs might be unproven - other than senior Edwin Wortorsi, whose eligibility is uncertain, every player on the roster is either a freshman or sophomore - but they have the talent to accomplish great things this season.

The match starts at 4pm on Monday - make sure you come out to support the team!

Bryan George

Lassi Hurskainen

Go Dogs!