Monday, July 7, 2008

Mercy College men's soccer coach Nick Bell announced the 2008 schedule.

Mercy College Men's Soccer Announces Ambitious 2008 Schedule

DOBBS FERRY, NY - Mercy College Head Men's Soccer Coach Nick Bell announced the program's 2008 schedule.  This year's 17-game slate features several nationally ranked programs, highlighted by a tilt at reigning NCAA Division II national champion Franklin Pierce.

"This is the most competitive schedule we have played in recent history," said Bell. "There will probably be five or six opponents ranked in the national top 25 at the start of the season."

The Mavericks will get the campaign underway at a tournament hosted by West Chester University on August 30-31.  They will then travel to Bentley on September 7 and Goldey Beacom on September 10 before battling with Lock Haven in their home opener on September 14.

After two more non-conference road games at Dominican on September 17 and Stonehill on September 30, Mercy will begin East Coast Conference (ECC) play on October 1 at Molloy.  The Mavericks then travel to Franklin Pierce on October 4 before playing four straight ECC foes.  Franklin Pierce finished the year at 17-2-4 on its way to the national title and a No. 1 ranking. After one more non-conference game at Caldwell on October 30, Mercy will close out the regular season at home on November 1 versus ECC rival and defending league champion Dowling.

"We took on a lot of road games, 12 altogether, which will be a big challenge, but we're looking to the future in hopes of bringing these teams back to play in Dobbs Ferry," said Bell. "I'm confident that with our talented core group of returning players and a great group of recruits coming in we will compete with the best programs.  We made a great effort to play against some of the elite schools in the northeast and we hope to play more top programs from around the country in the years to come."

2008 MERCY COLLEGE MEN'S SOCCER SCHEDULE