After a month of preseason training, the men’s soccer team will host Marshall today at 1 p.m., opening their regular season.
The Falcons will look to beat the Thundering Herd after playing to a 3-3 draw last season, in a game that saw Falcons Byard Ebling and Chris Jurtovski score their first collegiate goals.
Eric Nichols – coaching his first game for the Falcons – will field a strong line up. Forming a 4-3-3, the Falcons will start Thomas McLean and Chuko Evwaraye playing as strikers, while Cameron Hepple will play in a slightly secondary role behind the two.
‘Everyone is really excited to get on the field,’ Hepple said. ‘Playing that pulled back position is great for me; it’s my favorite position. I have always wanted to play in that role because it allows me to attack either the left or the right.’
Nichols thinks by playing without true wingers, his team will focus more on the area of attack.
‘It will help us get a little tighter up front,’ Nichols said. ‘I want us to be able to battle for 90 minutes and compete on every play. If we can do that, we will meet our goals.’
The intensity in Nichols and his players was clear at yesterday morning’s training session, as the team turned in a solid practice, knowing no one’s spot on the first team is safe.
When it comes to position battles, none are more competitive than the one for goalkeeper. Red shirt freshman Jeff Smoker will make his first career start in goal for the Falcons, and it is expected that true freshman Dylan Schoettley will play the second half.
Smoker knows that he has to perform well to keep his position but is ready to play.
‘I’m a little nervous, and pretty excited about the start tomorrow. I think it’s only natural,’ Smoker said. ‘As far as competition goes, both the other keepers will give me a run for my money now that Dylan is here and Steven [Topper] is healthy.’
Nichols will send out a midfield trio of Hunter Van Houten, Jurtovski and Dusko Topolic, who he hopes will control the midfield through passing and movement.
The team’s only question mark for the game is co-captain Jacob Lawrence, who is a game time decision after pulling his groin at the end of practice yesterday.
‘It should be interesting, whether I can play or not,’ Lawrence said. ‘I have tonight and tomorrow morning to see how it heals.’
In the absence of Lawrence, the Falcons will turn to transfer Jake Custer to fill in at central defense, playing along with Tanner Fink, Tyler Deal and Garrett Bireline.
If the Falcons need a boost off the bench, Nichols may turn to winger Robert Barker, whose preseason intensity can not be overlooked.