University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women’s Soccer Hosts First Fall Practice on Saturday
08.04.2018 | Women's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville women's soccer team commenced its 2018 season preparations on Saturday, as first-year head coach Lindsay Vera led the Bulldogs' first official fall practice.
"We had a great first day, and I'm so relieved to finally have the players here on campus. Different from the past, I have been communicating with and preparing for players I've never met," said Vera. "The reality is finally sinking in now that we're here together. I'm a first-year head coach, but, essentially, we are all brand new. With new players and coaches, I think we're ready to make a lasting impression."
Due to heavy rains and field conditions, the team was limited to practice inside. There the Bulldogs worked on multiple drills and started to get familiar with each other, as there are numerous new faces in the program.
"I think we're more than capable of surprising some people this fall. Whether it be at home or on the road, we will keep working to develop and enhance our own style of play, while counting the small successes in between," Vera said.
The team will host its lone exhibition on August 13 against Queens. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Greenwood Field, and admission is free for the preseason friendly.
The season opener is slated for August 17 at Wofford at 7 p.m., while the home opener for the Bulldogs is set for August 31 versus Delaware State at 4 p.m.
The first Big South Conference game is on September 19 at Longwood, and the first home league game is set for September 22 versus Campbell at 4 p.m.
The 2018 roster currently consists of 22 total players, which includes 10 freshmen. Of the 10, one - Courtney McCluskey - has been on Asheville's campus since the start of the 2018 spring semester. Nine of the remaining freshmen officially moved to Asheville this week.
Of the 11 returning Bulldogs, six are seniors, one is a junior and four are sophomores.
