August 26, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. (www.howard-bison.com) – The Howard University men's soccer team opens the 2012 season with the two-day Duquesne Invitational in Pittsburgh, Pa.  During the weekend event, which begins on Friday, Aug. 24, HU will face Duquesne and Pittsburgh.

Schedule

• Friday, Aug. 24 v. Duquesne at 8:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 26 v. Pittsburgh at 11:30 a.m.

Duquesne "Dukes"

• Duquesne is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference.
• Duquesne finished the 2011 season with a record of 7-9-2 overall and 4-4-1 in conference play.

Pittsburgh "Panthers"

• Pittsburgh is a member of the Big East Conference.
• Pittsburgh finished the 2011 season with a record of 4-13-1 overall and 3-7 in conference play.

Up Next

D.C. Cup (Aug. 30- Sept. 1)

• Friday, Aug. 30 v. American (5:00 p.m.)
• Saturday, Sept. 1 v. George Washington (12:00 p.m.)

Season Preview

Written by Zakiya Cobb, Student Intern

The Bison are looking to improve on last season's record of 3-13-2, and they believe they have the talent to do so under the helms of HU head men's soccer coach Michael Lawrence, who is in his fourth season.

There are a number of student-athletes promising to make a strong impact from the moment the Bison kickoff their season.  Patrick Rose, Kashmar Briscoe, Anye Ngalla, and Nadjitade Badje will be key in leading the squad to success in their final season of eligibility.  Rose is an offensive force, recording three goals and one assist form the 2011 campaign.

One area of the field where HU is confidently strong is the midfield.  Seasoned student-athlete Mario Martin, Brain Monge, and Phillip Coker are looking to build onto their sophomore year success and lead the midfielders regime.

The Bison will also rely on a class of eight talented sophomores.  Second-year Bison Christoph Ingram and Rahman Alarape will be looking to improve on their strong freshman seasons.  Ingram scored two out-of-the five goals in Howard's shut-out game against Washington Adventist. 

After solid freshmen campaigns, the Bison return two talented goalkeepers.  Eric Hamilton saw action in 17 games and recorded 55 saves.  Michael Bellot proved to be a strong back-up goalie when he saw action in four games. 

Defensively, the Bison roster will remain similar with Austin O'Brien, Donny-Joshua Felix, Raynard Store, and Frederick Todd III set to maintain the line.

Rounding out the Bison's returning student-athletes is: midfielder Vincent Johnson and redshirt junior Jeremy Swann.  Johnson is looking to become an integral part of the Bison attack, while Swann is thriving to become a defensive force for the Bison.

With an arsenal of 10 new recruits, the Bison will have a fresh look as they take the field. 

While the Bison boast a talented squad, the team will certainly be tested as they face a vigorous schedule that includes a D.C. Cup and Florida International Tour. 

HU opens the season with an exhibition match against on Friday, Aug. 17, against St. Joseph.  The mighty blue and white will be tested right out of the gate.  The Bison hit the road for a six-game road trip which includes the D.C. Cup with contests against American University and George Washington. The official home opener is slated for Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. against Liberty.

For more information on Howard University Men's Soccer, visit the official HU Athletics website at www.howard-bison.com.

-HU-