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.

Soccer Eyes Return to GSAC Tournament in 2010

Under second-year head coach Michael Spivey, the Wesleyan soccer team will be looking to establish an identity early in the year that will carry the team to a post-season appearance. The road to the GSAC Tournament starts on Saturday when the Pioneers host Tennessee Temple at the Mathews Athletic Complex.

Follow Wesleyan athletics at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan

Key Returners

Emily Epperson, Senior, Goalkeeper
Epperson ranks fourth in NCAA Division III history in career saves and is the Great South Athletic Conference career record holder.

Azea Mustafa, Junior, Forward
Mustafa led the team in goals (3) last season and will be the focal point of the offense again this year.

Team Strengths

• A solid defense
• Never-say-stop attitude across the team

Areas for Improvement

• Getting the inexperienced group up to speed
• Team continuity

GSAC Outlook

Wesleyan expects to compete in every match this year to the final minute and qualify for the conference playoffs at the end of the season. Maryville College has won nine straight regular season titles and has not lost a conference match in three years.

Worth Quoting

"Youth, experience and attitude will drive this team to meet its season goals in 2010. "

-- Wesleyan head coach Michael Spivey on the upcoming season.