Carson-Newman Men's Soccer Team Reports For Preseason
Aug. 13, 2008
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Carson-Newman College men's soccer team reported to practice earlier this week to begin preparations for the upcoming season.
"The goal for us is to get everyone on the same page as quickly as possible because we have a short preseason," said Head Coach Allen Vital, who is entering his 12th season at Carson-Newman.
The Eagles are seeking their sixth South Atlantic Conference title. In 2007, C-N finished with a 15-4-2 record, finishing 4-2-1 in SAC play, and third in the conference race.
This season will be full of some exciting new changes to the Eagle soccer program; the first includes new lighting for McCown Field. The lighting is just one of the latest facility transformations at Carson-Newman, made possible by contributions to the Roland File Memorial Lighting Fund.
"This will add an advantage to our players with games being played at night which will allow more of the college and surrounding community to enjoy the games. This will add a whole new dimension to our program," Coach Vital expressed about the lighting project, which is expected to be in place for Carson-Newman's season opener.
Another exciting change for the 2008 season is the addition of student coach Francois Dubourdeau.
Dubourdeau comes to Carson-Newman after competing at the professional level in Europe and will work primarily with the goalkeepers.
The Eagles also welcome 13 new members, making up half of the 2008 squad.
"It's going to be a big task to get the new players to understand the system of play in a short period of time. We will need the leadership and the experience of the returners to make it work."
The incoming class includes former Morristown West standout Anthony Chiappetta who is ready to work this preseason.
"It's going to be hard and long, but it's going to be worth it when it's all said and done," says Chiappetta. "I am also excited about getting to know all the guys."
Though the Eagles will have some new faces and some changes on the field, there will be some familiar faces leading the C-N squad. Junior and All-Region selection Omar Cooke will help lead the team from the center forward position.
"We have a lot of young and new players coming in; and like other teams, we will be working towards winning a championship," Cooke said. "I think we have the team to do it; we just have to come together as a team and know each other's skills and abilities on the field."
The Eagles will also depend on strong leadership from junior and two-time All-American center back Thomas Ostvold, two-time All-Conference outside defender Everado Flores, and Daktronics All-Region goalkeeper Jordan Moore.
Carson-Newman opens its season August 31st as part of a doubleheader against Chowan University. The match begins with the women's soccer team in action at 1:00 pm, with men following at 3:00 pm.
