Eight Newcomers Debut in Soccer Season-Opening Loss

The Wesleyan College soccer team opened the 2010 season with a 6-2 loss [BOX SCORE] to Tennessee Temple University (2-3) on Saturday night.

See a photo gallery from tonight's game.

The Pioneers started eight newcomers in the season debut.  Last year's leading scorer Azea Mustafa picked up right where she left off, scoring a goal in the 33rd minute off a free kick, while sophomore Chanyka Palmer scored her first collegiate goal in the 81st minute.

"We are still working on our continuity, trying to get our newcomers and returners working as a cohesive unit," stated second-year head coach Michael Spivey.  "We had a few other opportunities to score tonight, so we will take several positives away from this game to prepare for our game on Wednesday."

Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson tallied nine saves, bumping her career total to 893 saves, just 61 away from taking over third place in D-III history. For the Crusaders, freshman Diana Martinez accounted for four of the team's six goals.

The Pioneers return to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 8 to face off with Atlanta Christian College at the Mathews Athletic Complex.  Kick-off is at 7:00pm.

Follow the Pioneers on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan.