BRADFORD, Pa. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford men's soccer team will begin its 2017 season with a pair of weekend road games, first traveling to Lancaster Bible on Friday then heading to Penn State-Harrisburg on Saturday.
In his second season at the helm, Nathan Whitehurst will field a young team of 14 newcomers and 10 returners.
"One of the biggest assets all the newcomers give us is added depth," Whitehurst said. "We had times last season where we were only playing with three available substitutions, so having a lot of guys that can compete is really going to help us. These guys are also challenging the returners for spots, so the competitive practices have been great."
To guide the newcomers on the field, Whitehurst has his go-to guys on their respective lines. Leading the midfielders is top returning scorer Steven McFetridge, and back for his sophomore year is the leader of the defense, Michael Giopulos.
"They're going to really help out, and use their experience to help the new guys learn the system, and help us be able to do what we have to do."
The Panthers' home-opening weekend will feature a pair of non-conference tests as they welcome Allegheny and Wooster on Sept. 8 and 9. The two teams play in the North Coast Athletic Conference, which regularly has teams ranked in the national top-25.
In Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference action, Pitt-Bradford will host both of the teams that played in the 2016 conference title game –Medaille (Oct. 10) and defending champion Penn State-Behrend (Oct. 18).
"We have both those teams here this year on our natural surface," Whitehurst said. "Last season, we played both those teams on the road on turf, so I'm looking forward to having them at our place on our field."
The Panthers were selected to repeat as seventh-place finishers in the AMCC Pre-Season Coaches' Poll, but the new combination of experience and new energy from the newcomers makes for a brand-new team in 2017.
"Our added depth is a big factor, and with all the new players, it's going to be a new team this year."
Friday's match at Lancaster Bible will begin at 4 p.m. while Saturday's contest at Penn-State Harrisburg will kick off at 12 p.m.
About Lancaster Bible:
- Friday's contest with the Panthers will also be the season opener for the Lancaster Bible Chargers.
- In 2016, the Chargers went 10-11 overall, holding down their home matches with a 7-3 mark in 10 games. Their season ended in the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Midwest Region Playoffs.
- Edward Bills is back for his senior season. His five goals in 2016 were the second most on the squad and are the most of any returner. He came through in the clutch more than any other Charger as his three game-winning goals were the most on the team. Bills also fired a team-leading 44 shots.
- Back for his junior season is Caleb Nelson, whose four goals and two assists in 2016 totaled 10 points, the second-most of any returner.
- Senior Vann Sutphin saw the bulk of the time in goal during his junior season. In 1625:59 minutes between the pipes, he made 78 saves and surrendered 29 goals.
About Penn State-Harrisburg:
- The matchup with the Panthers will serve as the second game of a two-game opening weekend homestand for the Penn State-Harrisburg Lions.
- Penn State-Harrisburg put together a strong season in 2016, posting a 13-9 overall record, including a five-game win streak midseason.
- The Lions outscored their opponents, 45-27.
- Jonathan Majin led the Lions with seven goals, while four different players found the back of the net five times in 2016.
- Brandon Hoover started 16 games and appeared in all 22 as the Lions' goalkeeper. In 1963:14 minutes, he made 81 saves and surrendered 27 goals.
