Men's Soccer Opens Exhibition Play Against King College on Thursday

ASHEVILLE, N.C. ? The UNC Asheville men's soccer team will get a chance to play in an exhibition match Thursday afternoon when UNC Asheville hosts King College at Greenwood Field starting at 4 p.m. Admission is free.

The Bulldogs have been working hard since preseason practice started last Friday. Head Coach Steve Cornish is pleased with his team's work rate in the first week.

“I'm pleased with our lads and the effort they've given in the first part of training,” stated Cornish. “We still have plenty of work to do before we can assemble into a squad but I like the depth we have.”

Asheville is anxious to turn around last year's frustrating 4-13-1 season. The Bulldogs have nine seniors and 14 new players joining the roster in 2008.

“We hung in there the whole year last season and posted some good results in the second half of the year,” commented Cornish. “However, we were shut out nine times last season. For us to get better, we must score more goals. It's really that simple.”

Heading up the returnees is Asheville native Scott Szymanski. The senior forward scored nine goals and had 21 points as he earned second-team all-conference honors a year ago. Senior defender Edwin Wotortsi anchors a veteran defense.

Newcomers include local products Jake Sides and Kye Grooms from Reynolds HS. Both should have a chance to play this season. Freshman goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen is from Finland and could be a player to watch for the Bulldogs this season.

Asheville faces a strong King College team on Thursday. The Tornados are a strong NAIA club that competes for a league title every year.

“King College is quite formidable,” explained Cornish. “They have a solid team and are well-coached. They (King) have a match under their belt (a 2-0 loss at East Tennessee State). We will have to play very well to have a chance at a result.”