University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Men's Soccer Begins Practice for 2010 Season
08.17.2010 | Men's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The Matt Kern era began for the UNC Asheville men's soccer team Monday as the Bulldogs began their training for the 2010 season.
Kern, who took over for long-time coach Steve Cornish back in June, served as an assistant to Cornish the past two years. He is familiar with the Asheville squad and is cautiously optimistic about this year's club that does not have a senior on its roster.
"I would describe our team as middle-aged when it comes to experience," commented Kern. "We have 14 juniors on the team and some of those players have played in a lot of big matches over the last two years. We don't have that senior experience but we're not totally inexperienced either."
Kern has been pleased with the first few practices.
"I am very encouraged by the work ethic we've shown in the first two days for training," stated Kern. "Our guys are committed to the fitness program that we've put forth and have pushed themselves.
"We've made some progress with our defense in the first couple of days," added Kern. "All in all we're off to a good start. However, we have plenty of work to do."
The Bulldogs return all 11 of their starters from last season's club that went 6-12-1. Asheville was very competitive in 2009 as the Bulldogs lost five matches by just one goal.
"We need to get our goals against down," stated Kern. "If we can cut down on our goals again then we have a chance to win some more matches this year."
The Bulldogs plays two exhibition matches prior to the opening of the season and both are in Asheville. Kern's club hosts Mars Hill at Greenwood Field on Aug. 25 starting at 4 p.m. Asheville will then play Appalachian State on Saturday, Aug. 28 at Memorial Stadium starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to both matches. The ASU match will include an autograph session following the game with both Bulldog teams.
