The Pitt-Bradford men's soccer team opens the 2016 campaign Saturday on the road at Waynesburg.
It will serve as the debut for head coach Nathan Whitehurst, who joined the program in July after spending the last four years as an assistant at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. He previously coached at Abingdon High School, leading the squad to three consecutive district championships and a 41-8-2 record.
After making a run to the AMCC semifinals in 2011, the Panthers have failed to reach the postseason since and have ranked last in the conference in scoring in each of the last two years. Whitehurst hopes to use his first year as a chance to build a foundation for the program going forward.
The Panthers return 10 players from a year ago but must replace their top three goal scorers. Senior goalkeeper Colin Frownfelter is the most experienced returner, logging 31 starts in net the last two seasons. Sophomore Andrew Hoyt, who logged three starts last season, will serve as the backup to Frownfelter.
The midfield will also be a strength with the return of senior Samuel Franchi and juniors Steven McFetridge and Christopher Wise. McFetridge is one of just four players to start all 16 games in 2015. Sophomores Colin Irwin and Noah Black will add depth to the group as well. Senior Brian Bao, junior Tyler Koch and sophomore Esteban Lopez Martinez will headline the forward group.
A group of nine newcomers will fill out the rest of the roster, and Whitehurst understands there might be growing pains initially as the team gels.
"The first game we are looking to compete, while still working out the kinks and trying to improve each game until we get into the conference schedule," Whitehurst said.
Pitt-Bradford will play its first two games on the road before hosting Nazareth Sept. 11, in its home opener, kicking off a stretch off three straight home games. The Panthers will travel to Penn State Altoona in late September to kick off conference play. Despite lacking recent success, Whitehurst believes the Panthers will compete at a high level in 2016.
"I feel while this year will be considered a building year, we have some good players and I feel we can compete and still have a successful season," Whitehurst said.
