After a successful 2018-19 season, ETSU soccer has a positive attitude going into season play.
Men’s soccer left the 2018-19 season with an overall record of (9-7-1) and a conference record of (4-1-1). The Bucs left the SoCon tournament after a 2-1 loss to Furman in the semifinals.
The men will play a total of 10 away games and seven home games this season.
“With us playing at home one season and then away the next, it is sometimes difficult to remember what it’s like to play in those different situations, but I am happy with the new teams and new competition,” said red-shirt senior Luke Parker.
With 10 new freshmen ready to play, the men’s team has high expectations going into season play.
“They’ve all gotten into the squad quickly, and I am really happy with how the culture has been in the locker room,” says Parker. “It has remained really positive and they’ve all brought in really good attitudes.”
Along with all the freshmen, head coach David Casper has brought in a new assistant coach, Cameron Sauro. Sauro played collegiately at King University and has spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Southwest Minnesota State University.
“Cameron brings a lot of energy,” says Casper. “He is younger than Josh (Scott, assistant coach/recruiting coordinator) and I, so it helps that he can relate to the players a little bit more. He’s a great goalkeeper coach, and he makes sure that they are where they need to be all season long.”
The men faced UNC Asheville in an exhibition game on Aug. 19, winning 2-0.
The women’s team is coming into the season with 15 freshmen and a goal to make it past the SoCon semifinal, where they lost to UNCG 5-1 last season.
“We have a lot of new players, but they are a core group of fantastic players and fantastic leaders that are returning,” said head coach Adam Sayers.
The women left the 2018-19 season with an overall record of (8-11) and a conference record of (5-4).
“I am thrilled with the way the returners have performed and the potential in the new group,” said Sayers.
“It’s nothing but positives with such a big group of freshmen coming in,” said senior Kourtney Gaylord. “We have a lot of good options, and all of them bring something new to the table.”
The women face King University on Aug. 22 at home, and the men’s team play Radford at home on Aug. 24.
