LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University men's soccer team is set to open the 2018 season. The Bald Eagles will host Le Moyne tomorrow (Thursday, August 30) at 4 p.m. at the Stern Athletic Complex.
 
It will be the first of two matches at home in a short stretch. LHU will host West Virginia Wesleyan on Sunday, September 2 at 3 p.m. 
 
2018 News, Notes & Storylines:
 
Looking to build off 2017 success:
Last season in 2017, the Bald Eagles got off to a sizzling start, which helped them crack the regional rankings. LHU started 4-1-1 before finishing 6-8-4 overall. Lock Haven won four games at home and finished at 3-6-2 in PSAC action.
 
During the season, the Bald Eagles recorded back-to-back wins over top-25 teams. After knocking off No. 9 Millersville 1-0 on September 27, it marked the first win over perennial PSAC and NCAA Division II regional power Millersville since 2011. Ironically enough, it's also the last time LHU downed a top-15 team. Lock Haven's last win over a top-10 team came in 2005. In the very next game on September 30, LHU upset No. 22 West Virginia Wesleyan 1-0 on the road.
 
Strong at home in 2017, LHU went unbeaten in seven of nine home matches.
 
PSAC preseason poll:
The Bald Eagles, winners of 20 previous PSAC championships, were picked seventh out of 12 teams in the preseason coaches' poll.
 
West Chester picked up four first-place votes and was picked as the favorite among the league's head coaches to win the conference. Gannon recorded five of 12 first-place votes and was tabbed second while East Stroudsburg rounded out the top three in the preseason rankings.
 
LHU will open PSAC play on Wednesday, September 12 at local-rival Bloomsburg (7:30 p.m.).
 
Veteran experience:
LHU will benefit from the return of last year's top two goal scorers in Beckham Sibiski and Reginald Holt, both rising sophomores. Last year, Sibiski and Holt combined for 11 goals, netting six and five, respectively. Brian Flatter, a talented midfielder with a high work rate will look to direct the flow of every match in 2018. Flatter is coming off a strong summer and will look to be one of league's premier midfielders from the opening whistle.
 
In all, third-year head coach Patrick Long returns 18 players from last year's team. That experience and leadership, particularly on defense and the midfield, will be key. Redshirt-sophomore goalkeeper Camden Cook also recorded a pair of wins (2-1-1) last season as a rookie.
 
Talented group of newcomers:
Four new additions will help bolster the 2018 roster. They come in the form three true-freshmen and one junior.  
 

• Steven Schankweiler (Fr., D): Led Lower Dauphin High School to two state championships … 2X All-Conference selection … decorated club career … also a mid-distance high school track & field standout
• Gareth Kemp (Fr., MF): 2X MVP … 2X First Team All-Star … Second MVP … member of state champion club team
• Jason Keller (Fr., GK): Talented local-proud … led State College High School to league title … 3-year goals-against avg. under 1 … scholar-athlete
• Ivo Klaric (Jr., MF/D): joins the Bald Eagles with two years eligibility … native of Croatia … strong youth club experience in Austria 

 
Up next:
Following Sunday's home match with West Virginia Wesleyan, the Bald Eagles will hit the road to take on Felician on Wednesday, September 5 (6:30) p.m.