DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's soccer program enters the upcoming season with one of its most talented incoming freshman classes in recent years with the goal of returning back to the USA South Conference postseason.

Averett kicks off the season on Aug. 31 when it travels to Salem, Va., for a neutral site showdown with the University of Lynchburg. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.


FIVE KEYS TO THE 2018 SEASON

POSITIVE ENERGY
Following the loss of the majority of last season's scoring offense and welcoming a young, but talented incoming freshman class, fifth-year head coach Philip Wilson has preached to both his returners and freshman the importance of surviving a rollercoaster of ups and downs throughout the season. The key is staying positive on and off the pitch, along with realizing the importance of moving past mistakes and taking triumphs in stride and continuing to grow and develop daily.

COMMUNICATION
Averett enters 2018 primed to rewrite the 2017 season, as the squad brings back key returners on both the defensive line and goalkeeper. While on offense, senior Huso Dukic, the team's leader in assists a season ago, will look to build off a year in which the midfielder racked up seven assists. He's now tasked with pushing communication within Averett's front group and aiding a gifted incoming class at finding the back of the net.  

FINISH
The motto of 2018 — having the ability to finish out games and capitalize on opponent —, has been the most emphasized aspect of the Cougars' preseason. Averett's ability to put teams away and prevent late second half or overtime period goals will play a vital part in the team's success moving forward. The 2017 club dropped nine of the team's 11 losses by a single goal, several of which came late in games.

CORE DEFENSE
Wilson is excited about the return of his core defense from a year ago as sophomore Asher Francis returns following a two-goal, one-assist freshman year while starting all 18 games. Senior Sean Dunbar, who has been a staple for the Cougars on the back line since his arrival in Danville, will give the team depth, having the ability to play both defense and transition to the midfield to supply ball distribution. Additionally, the club returns both junior Austin Bramhall and sophomore Colton Dutchess in net, giving the navy and gold two viable options as a last line of defense.

COMPETITION
Position battles have been a daily occurrence at practice for the Cougars, as many of the 16 incoming freshmen have come into their collegiate careers with the ability to compete right away. This in turn has allowed coach Wilson to try several players at multiple positions, gaining new tactical advantages and creating a dynamic team bond, as players continue to push one another with the goal of developing and improving.
 
Watch the 2018 Averett men's soccer preview here.