University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Men's Soccer Begins Practice on Thursday
08.13.2009 | Men's Soccer
Bulldog coach Steve Cornish is excited about the possibilities for this year's club. Asheville ended the 2008 season winning three of its final four matches and advanced to the semifinals of the Big South Conference Tournament.
"We really believe we made some strides last year," stated Cornish. "Our lads found ways to win, instead of coming close. I like the team we have coming back. Everyone seems to be in good shape, and we're ready to go."
The Bulldogs went 7-8-4 in 2008 and had a 3-3-2 mark inside Big South Conference play. Highlights of the year included a 1-0 victory over league champion Winthrop and a 0-0 tie against Kentucky. Asheville's 4-2 victory over Gardner-Webb in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament put the Bulldogs in the semifinals of the tournament for the first time since 2004.
Asheville will be led by sophomore goalkeeper Lassi Hurskainen. The Finnish product played every minute of every match in 2008. He recorded three shutouts, two in league play and had a goals-against-average of 1.20.
The Bulldogs play an exhibition match at home against Catawba on Aug. 24 before opening the season against national power UNC Chapel Hill on Sept. 1. Asheville's home opener at Greenwood Field will be a first-time meeting with local foe Brevard College on Sept. 4.
