USI Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams Open the 2014 Season This Weekend

The quest for conference, and hopefully national titles, begins this weekend as both the USI men's and women's soccer teams hit the road to open the 2014 season.

After posting winning records for the past five seasons, the Lady Eagles look to continue the trend as they head northeast to Columbus, Ohio where they will play in the Ohio Dominican Classic. They'll take on Ashland University at 3:30 PM on Friday, before taking on host, Ohio Dominican, on Sunday at 1:30 PM.

The return last year's leading scorer, forward Madi Vellky who enters her junior year after leading the team with 12 points, and four assists in 2013.

Goalkeeper, Jackie Lohmann also returns for her junior year after posting an average of 1.25 goals against in 16 matches and 1,371 minutes last season.

The Lady Eagles will be led once again by head coach Kristy Engelbrecht who enters her 12th year as head coach of the program.

Meanwhile, the men's team will travel a little closer to home to open the season as they head to Owensboro for the first of four road games to open the year for a match against Kentucky Wesleyan Thursday night at 7:00 PM. From there, they head south to Nashville, Tennessee for a match against Trevecca University Saturday evening at 5:00 PM.

The men will once again have forward Caleb Mathers on the roster as he enters his senior season. Mathers led the team with 14 points and four assists in 2013.

Unlike the ladies, the men's team will see new faces at the goalie position after the loss of Jeffrey Neidlinger to graduation, rotating three new players through the position.

Coach Mat Santoro enters his sixth season at the helm of the men's squad, having posted an overall record of 38-43-6, with a 18-14-3 record over the past two years.

For the complete schedules for both the men's and women's teams, visit the official USI Athletics website.