The LHU men's soccer team is set to open the 2017 season vs. Georgian Court on Thursday, August 31 at home. Thursday's match at Stern Athletic Complex is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.
 
Setting the stage:
The Bald Eagles will open the season on Thursday vs. Georgian Court. Last season, LHU fell to Georgian Court, 1-0 on the road after the game's only goal came in the 42^nd minute.
 
Home at The Haven:
Lock Haven's first three matches of the 2017 season will come at home on the friendly confines of the Stern Athletic Complex Soccer Field. In all, the Bald Eagles will play at home three times in the next week. Following the game with Georgian Court, LHU will host Shepherd (Sept. 4) and the District of Columbia (Sept. 6).
 
A look back:
Last season marked head coach Patrick Long's return to The Haven. The former standout player took over the program and guided it to five wins in his debut campaign. LHU finished the year at 5-11-1 overall and finished 3-8 in PSAC play. Last season, LHU won four of its first six games and found itself regionally ranked, and Long hopes the team can repeat that strong start this season. The Bald Eagles should benefit from playing their first three games of the season at home.
 
Veteran leadership:
LHU will rely on a talented group of sophomores who were battle tested as rookies. Despite an overall youthful look, LHU will also benefit from the return of veteran goalkeeper Troy Teresak and defender Gage Rims, along with Zach Hommey, who enters the 2017 season with seven career goals. The trio headlines a group of experienced returners.
 
New faces:
Haven fans will see plenty of new faces on the pitch in 2017 as Lock Haven's roster features 10 true-freshmen.
 
The road ahead:
After four straight non-conference matches to open the slate, Lock Haven will begin PSAC play vs. local-rival Bloomsburg at home on September 13.
 
Up next:
The Bald Eagles will celebrate Labor Day with a home match on Monday, September 4 when LHU hosts Shepherd at noon.