The UNCW men’s soccer team has yet to play a game this year, but the squad already has set significant goals for the 2005-06 season. 

The team, coming off of a 12-6-3 season, returns all 11 starters for this year’s campaign.   Familiarity with one another, along with a talented freshmen class, has this group poised to take a run at the CAA Championship.

Just ask the 2004 CAA Coach of the Year, UNCW’s own Aidan Heaney.

“Experience is the key,” Heaney said. “It’s not like we are starting from scratch. We have a lot of guys returning and as much depth and talent as we’ve ever had, so we hope for the best season yet.”

Strong leadership will be an advantage for the Seahawks as well.  The team returns two second-team all-CAA honorees in Russell Bienias and Brad Knighton.  Also, seniors Keith Shevlin, Sam Leger, and Will Clark combined for 15 goals last year ago and look to lead UNCW to more this season.

Others around the country are starting to take notice of UNCW’s soccer team.  The team was ranked in the top 25 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America last season for the first time since 1980, and is now being compared to some of the best in the nation. Last season’s resume included victories over #1UNCG and #10 Old Dominion, as well as ties with #8 UNC and #16 VCU.

“We’ve overcome that feeling of inadequacy,” Heaney said. “We’re not scared of playing anybody.”

The Seahawks open their schedule this Saturday with a scrimmage at home against UNC.  According to Heaney, getting a good start to the season will benefit from strong attendance and student support. The fans will be essential to winning close games, and ultimately the conference.

“We have a good product, and could use more support,” Heaney said. “The guys work hard and we look to represent the university. We would love for the student body to embrace this year’s team.”