Husson University men's soccer program captured their first NAC regular season title in 2008 and will look to take the next step as they enter the 2009 campaign.  2008 NAC Coach of the Year Seth Brown returns to the sideline for his fourth season.  The Eagles were 11-7-1 a year ago and a perfect 7-0 in the North Atlantic Conference. 

Last season, the Eagles earned a post season bid as the #4 seed in the ECAC New England Championships.  They defeated the #5 seed U. Southern Maine 3-0 in the opening round before losing to #1 seeded Eastern Connecticut State in the semi-finals.  A pair of all-conference performers return to pace the Eagles in 2009, senior Billy Shannon (Newburgh, ME) and junior Tyler Metevier (Kittery, ME) both earned 1^st Team All-NAC honors in 2008. 

The strength of the team will be their defense.  Shannon will secure the back line with his steady and aggressive play.  Senior Justin Gavin (Brunswick, ME) also returns to the defensive as does keeper Miguel Dominguez (Jr., Rome, GA).  The Eagles allowed just over two goals per game in 2008 and recorded 8 shutouts.  Husson only allowed four goals in seven conference games.  

The Eagles will look to generate more goals this season after averaging only 1.89 goals per game.  The unlucky Eagles lead the conference in shots per game with 17.74 per game but didn't always find the back of the net.  Metevier led Husson in scoring last year registering 10 goals and 3 assists.  Senior Mark Trombley (Burnham, ME) had 3 goals a year ago from his midfield position.

"This is a very exciting time for our program; our schedule might be the toughest in the programs history.  Our student-athletes accept the challenge of playing a grueling non-conference schedule and administration has supported our efforts" says Head Coach Seth Brown.  "The schedule will help us prepare for the NAC schedule and post season play, along with aiding us in identifying our strengths and weaknesses.  We have a good mix of returning student-athletes and new faces to reach our goals." 

The heart breaking shootout loss in the NAC Championship game last season should provide motivation for the Eagles to return to championship level.  Husson lost to Castleton 5-3 on penalty kicks after the two teams played regulation and two overtimes to a 1-1 tie.   This year's non-conference schedule includes U. Maine Fort Kent, Wheaton College, Barry College (Georgia), Springfield College, Western New England College, Colby, Bowdoin, and Bates.

The Eagles will practice Wednesday, August 26^th and Thursday, August 27^th at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm.  They open the season on September 1 at U. Maine Fort Kent with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 pm.  U. Maine Fort Kent was preseason ranked #8 in NAIA Preseason Poll.