University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heel Men's Soccer Opens Practice Wednesday
August 9, 2006 | Men's Soccer
Aug. 9, 2006
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Ranked No. 3 in the College Soccer News Preseason Top 30 Poll, the University of North Carolina men's soccer team opens practice Wednesday in Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels reported to campus Tuesday and begin with two-a-days today.
Guided by 18-year head coach Elmar Bolowich, Carolina returns 10 starters from a team that advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament a year ago. The Tar Heels bring back 95 percent (39 of 41 goals) of their scoring from a year ago with senior forward Ben Hunter (13 goals) leading the way. UNC also returns all four defenders and senior goalkeeper Justin Hughes from a defense that posted a school-record 15 shutouts.
Carolina is expected to start seven seniors but is also bolstered by the nation's No. 3 recruiting class according to College Soccer News.
The Tar Heels will play three exhibitions before opening the regular season against William & Mary Aug. 25 at the Wake Forest adidas Classic. On the road, UNC will face Davidson at 4 p.m. Sunday and Gardner-Webb at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 before closing the exhibition slate with the Blue-White Game Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at Fetzer Field.
UNC will open its home regular season schedule against Ohio State and Penn State in the annual Carolina Nike Classic, Sept. 1 and 3.
