BRADFORD, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team will kick off its 2019 season Saturday hosting Bethany at the Kessel Athletics Complex.
Pitt-Bradford is guided by Head Coach Nathan Whitehurst, who is in his fourth year at the helm of the men's soccer program.
The Panthers have increased their win totals in each of Whitehurst's three years leading the program, and they'll look to continue that trend in 2019 and play their way into the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Tournament.
"The goal this year is to break into the top six in the conference and make the tournament," Whitehurst said. "Preseason has gone really well so far, and I think this is the best the team has looked in a few years."
Pitt-Bradford returns its two leading scorers from a season ago in sophomore Chase Rider (seven goals) and senior Ugwunna Amadi (five goals).
Complementing the two top returners up top is senior captain and defensive anchor Michael Giopulos.
A total of 14 players return to the Panthers this year, including both goalkeepers who split time last season in senior Derrick Brock and sophomore Sihle Sizani.
Also back for Pitt-Bradford up top are juniors T.J. Magro and Lucien Kalkof, and sophomore Brent Kennedy.
Bringing experience back to the midfield is a pair of upperclassmen in senior Jahmaal Buckley and junior Nicholas DiStefano.
And joining Giopulus on the backline to round out the area of the most experience for the Panthers are four upperclassmen in seniors Jamari Jackson and Hunter Pennypacker, and juniors J.J. Morales and Justin Tanner.
Aiding the returners are eight freshmen newcomers.
"A couple of newcomers that will make an impact right away are Thomas Kelly and Scott Compson," Whitehurst said. "They're hitting the ground running and will fit right in with all the returners we have back this year."
Of the eight newcomers, five are forwards as Compson, Spencer Sklar, Myles Nartey, Austin Hogan and Pearson Liddell will all look to aid the Panthers' scoring efforts.
Kelly and Oluwaferanmi Soyemi both join the program with the versatility to play both the forward and midfield positions, while Cooper Sunderlin comes in as a midfielder.
Pitt-Bradford's schedule is made up of eight home games and nine matches away from the Kessel Athletic Complex.
The Panthers will open up AMCC action on Saturday, Sept. 21, as Pitt-Greensburg comes to town.
"Our main focus on the schedule is the start of conference play," Whitehurst said. "Being right on the verge of making the conference tournament the last few years, we are looking to be in the tournament this year."
Saturday's season-opening home contest against Bethany is set for a 6 p.m. start.
