ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University men's soccer begins its 2016 campaign on the road at nonconference opponent Lees-McRae on Thursday. The Bobcats and Trojans are set to square off at 7 p.m. at Tate Field in Banner Elk, N.C.
The Trojans
Anderson is slated to return six starters to a team that finished the 2015 season with an 8-8-1 overall record and 7-4 mark in the South Atlantic Conference. The Trojans look move up in the SAC standings this season and have a presence in postseason play.
The group of returners is headlined by Preseason All-SAC First Team honoree, senior defender Ryo Ogawa and Second Team honorees, junior defender Josh Calabria and senior midfielder Brad Du Plooy.
The Black and Gold also return Lars Kaula who saw action in 17 matches with starts in 15. Kaula ranked second on the team in goals with six and recorded three assists on the season.
In goal, senior Devon Ashy returns to the roster after posting 1,580 minutes and 69 saves while contributing to four shut-outs.
The Bobcats
Lees-McRae posted an 11-7 overall record and finished 7-3 Conference Carolinas play last season. The Bobcats advanced to the CC Semifinals falling to Limestone 2-0.
Lees-McRae returns eight starters, including four All-Conference selections. Within the returning starters is the Bobcats leading scorer, Thomas Deeley who led the team in all offensive categories scoring nine goals, including three match-winners and seven assists.
In goal, junior Tyler Pavlet started 10 matches a year ago logging 1,050 minutes while recording 27 saves.
The Series
The Trojans and Bobcats have played each other 12 times dating back to 2003, with the last meeting coming in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011. Lees-McRae claimed the double overtime, 3-2, victory to advance to the next round. The Bobcats hold a 7-4-1 overall advantage with Lees-McRae winning the last four of five.
All matches prior to 2011 were played as conference competition when both programs belonged to the Carolina Virginia Athletic Conference/Conference Carolinas. Anderson and Lees-McRae squared off for the 2008 Conference Carolinas Tournament Championship with the Bobcats claiming the title on penalty kicks.
In 2003, current head coach and former Trojan player, Mike Zion, scored two goals to help Anderson claim a 2-0 victory over the Bobcats.
