Statesboro, Ga. - The Georgia Southern men's soccer team starts the 2008 season with a Saturday exhibition against Georgia State. The game is scheduled for 3 pm at Eagle Field.
“We are excited [to start the season], the players we have returning and some of the newcomers. Georgia State is going to be such an early quality test for us. It gives us an opportunity to look at some guys and some different positions, but also an opportunity to see where we are after five days,” said Coach Kennedy.
The eagles will be lead by six seniors this season they are: Julian Donaldson, Jon Kinsler, Austen Peacock, BJ Reine, Sean Sandoval and Daniel Smith.
“I am excited about the leadership. The important thing with those guys is that we have a number of those players that are seniors this year and have been starters consistently since they were sophomores. A lot of these guys have thirty plus matches under their belt. I really feel like they will bring a lot of leadership,” said Coach Kennedy.
Kevin Kennedy is entering his third year at the helm with a 16-18-3 record. His .473 winning percentage ranks as third best in program history behind only John Rafter and Tom Norton.
Georgia Southern is returning nine starters and hopes to build on last year's 6-12 record. Top returners include senior Daniel Smith, Sean Sandoval, and Jon Kinsler. Smith was second in points on the team last year with ten and started all 18 games. Sandoval and Kinsler lead an experienced defense. Sandoval started 17 games last year and recorded two shots. Kinsler started 15 games and played in another two, recording 12 shots.
Georgia State's head coach is Kerem Daser who is entering his ninth-year. Georgia State finished last season 4-13-1 and have added several new players to the team. They are led by senior goalkeeper Filipe Carvalho who had 108 saves in twelve starts last season and returning senior defender Spenser Sumpter, who is a three-year starter in the backfield.
“Georgia State always has very good individual attacking players. They are very well coached and organized and they play in a great conference. It is going to be a great early test for us,” said Coach Kennedy.
