August 26, 2008
FARMVILLE, Va. - The Longwood men’s soccer program returns to the field for the 2008 season on August 29 as the team opens the season with a neutral site match-up against Niagara. The game will be hosted on the campus Coastal Carolina University as part of the Coastal Carolina Classic, with the Lancers facing off against the Chanticleers on August 30.
Longwood heads into the game after completing last season with a 8-8-3 overall record, and a 3-2 finish in the Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC). The Lancers ended the 2007 season with an overtime loss in the ASC Championship falling to Florida Atlantic 8-7 on penalty kicks after ending tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.
Niagara concluded the 2007 season with a 6-11-2 overall record, and a 3-5-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) record. The Eagles dropped their final game of the season 2-1 to St. Peters after taking the game into overtime.
Bucknell struggled to get through the Big South Conference Tournament, falling to Radford in the opening round, 3-1, despite going 6-0 in conference play during the season. The Chanticleers ended the season with a 10-8-1 overall record.
SCHEDULE:
Friday, Aug. 29 - Longwood vs. Niagara (at Coastal Carolina), 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 - Longwood at Coastal Carolina, 7 p.m.
WHO TO WATCH: The Lancers return 16 players from last season’s squad, including seniors Trey Thornton/Richmond (Mills E. Godwin), Adam Kotchin/North Hanover, N.J. (The Hun School of Princeton), Nate Van Arsdale/Richmond (Mills E. Godwin), Braden McPherson/Virginia Beach (Kellam), and Marcus Dixon/Gloucester (Gloucester).
SERIES RECORD:
Longwood vs. Niagara: First Meeting
Longwood vs. Coastal Carolina: First Meeting
MEDIA COVERAGE:
Longwood vs. Coastal Carolina:
BIg South TV ($4.95)
QUOTABLE:
Head Coach Jon Atkinson on the 2008 season: We have a tough road ahead of us, with a challenging schedule. Our games are going to stretch our program and see how far we’ve come. We are well equipt to handle whatever comes our way, so it will be a very exciting year for us.
Atkinson on Niagara and Coastal Carolina: Both games are going to test us in very different ways, both teams playing contrasting styles. We’re going to be playing back-to-back games which will be a challenge in itself, but we’re looking to get a good result that will help spark the rest of our season.
Atkinson on opening the season on the road: Opening on the road is always a good test for our boys. It helps the returning players step up into leadership roles, while it helps the younger guys learn about being a part of the travel squad. Being away from campus is also a good way to build team chemistry, since everyone will have to rely on each other because we will be away from campus.
