Troy University Athletics
Soccer Opens Season with Exhibition Match Against Samford Friday Evening
8/16/2019 11:49:00 AM | Soccer
TROY, Ala. -- The Troy Trojans soccer program begins its 2019 campaign Friday evening with an exhibition match against the reigning Southern Conference regular season champions, the Samford Bulldogs Friday at 7 p.m. at the Troy Soccer Complex.
The Trojans look to take the next step in head coach Ged O'Connor's third season at the helm. Featuring a roster comprised of mostly underclassmen, the Trojans return several key members at crucial spots. NJCAA All-American and Montverde Academy product Nathali Dasilva bolsters a Trojan midfield that also returns fellow captains Maddie Brune and Kiersten Edlund.
Sophomore Kendra Cashion looks to build upon her initial campaign in Troy that saw the Boca Raton, Fla., native finish with a team-best 21 shots-on-goal. The forward was the second-leading scorer for the Trojans last season, finding the back-of-the-net four times.
In terms of newcomers this season, the Trojans welcome 10 freshmen to campus this fall. Canadian Gabrielle Cossette looks to make an immediate impact for the Trojans this season in goal, looking to stabilize a Troy defense that allowed 47 goals a season ago. While Maryland native Courtney Brown will look to strengthen a Troy midfield that returns five players who saw action a year ago.
Friday's match will be the first of two open exhibitions the Trojans will host this fall. The preseason concludes this Sunday with an 11 a.m. matchup against in-state foe North Alabama. Admission to all Troy home matches is free.
Match Details:
The Matchup: Troy vs. Samford (Exhibition)
Where: Troy, Ala. – Troy Soccer Complex
When: 7 p.m.
Who Let the Dogs Out:
Samford enters the 2019 season looking to earn the programs sixth consecutive Southern Conference regular-season title. The Bulldogs return 14 players from last year's squad that won 11 matches overall and were unbeaten (8-0-1) in nine SoCon matches. Head coach Todd Yelton returns for his 18th season at the helm of the Bulldogs and has led his squad to at least 12 overall victories in five consecutive seasons. Samford has won at least double-digit matches every season since 2009. In 2019, the Bulldogs return the top two scorers from last year's team that advanced to the SoCon semifinals before dropping a 2-0 contest to Furman. Ole Miss transfer Morgan McAslan will compete with freshman Alex Bicknell and senior Lauren Delp for the starting nod between the pipes.
Ged Talks:
On the importance of tonight's exhibition:
"Tonight is another important training piece for us because the season arrives quickly. I think getting our girls into game shape is the biggest challenge we face because it takes six or seven weeks for that process to finish. We had our first training session on Aug. 6, and our first regular-season game is on Aug. 23 against Jackson State. So tonight is another opportunity to test our levels in a game setting against a quality opponent."
On his feelings heading into the 2019 campaign:
"We're a young team. I don't quite know where we are yet as a team, but I feel really good about this season because we have phenomenal kids. It took a bit to build the culture I wanted here, but I think the important principles are in place for us to have success."
Thank you, next:
The Trojans conclude the preseason Sunday morning against A-Sun member North Alabama. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m., and admission is free.
