Tuesday, July 26, 2016

AU Men's Soccer Announces 2016 Slate

Photo courtesy of AU Athletics

From our friends at AU Athletics...

After a 14-win season in 2015, American University men's soccer head coach Todd West has created a tough schedule for the Eagles in 2016 as they will face six NCAA Tournament qualifiers.

"With eight seniors returning from a top-25 team in 2015, we are optimistic heading into the 2016 season," said West.


West's squad reached the Patriot League Championship for the fifth time in his 16 seasons at the helm on Massachusetts Avenue. For the second straight year, the Eagles knocked off a pair of top-25 programs and sat in the NSCAA National Poll for three weeks.

"We have scheduled some of the top programs in Division 1 soccer to test this group at the NCAA's highest level. With away matches at South Florida, SMU, West Virginia, Maryland, Georgetown and 2015 NCAA tournament participants Boston University and Patriot League champion Lehigh, we will have to be prepared mentally and physically every time we step on the field," said West.

Home highlights include the Kuykenstrong DC College Cup home opener against George Mason and Capitol Cup matches featuring Gonzaga and Cornell. The Eagles welcome alumni, family and friends for the weekend of September 23-25 for the home match against Patriot League regular-season champion Colgate.

"The schedule is intense, however, this AU team is absolutely primed for a run on a national scale in 2016," said West.

AU will be led this season by a talented group of upperclassmen. Senior Panos Nakhid and Dale Ludwig will drive the forwards while Michael Cherry and Jake Garcia will man the defensive unit.

In its third season, the Patriot League Network will stream select home and road games for the Eagles. Fans can also stay connected with the men's soccer on social media for updates and in-game information.

2016 Home Schedule:
Friday, August 19, vs. UMBC (Exhibition) 5 PM
Friday, August 26 vs. George Mason (Kuykenstrong DC College Cup) 4:30 PM
Friday, September 9 vs. Gonzaga (Capitol Cup) 5 PM
Sunday, September 11 vs. Cornell (Capitol Cup) 3 PM
Saturday, September 24 vs. Colgate 4 PM
Wednesday, October 5 vs. Loyola (Md.) 3 PM
Saturday, October 15 vs. Army West Point 3 PM
Sunday, October 30 vs. Holy Cross 1 PM

Home games are played at Reeves Field. Click here for ticket information.