CONWAY, Ark. - After accounting for the most wins in program history since the 2013 season a year ago, Head Coach Matt Kern looks to guide Hendrix Men's Soccer to even more history this season. In addition to the four non-conference victories a season ago, Coach Kern also coached one returning SAA Player of the Week recipient in sophomore Ricky Barrientos.

"Our players and staff are really excited about the upcoming 2019 fall season," Coach Kern explained. "We have a committed group of 26 returners and 10 exciting newcomers. Assistant coach/recruiting coordinator, Kevin Tello, has done a great job identifying our needs for the upcoming campaign. We are also excited to welcome the addition of another assistant, Jonathan Batres, who has proven to be excellent as a recruiter and strength/speed trainer."

Returners
Having over 25 returners will be a great asset for this team. Josh Neuman returns after collecting three wins in goal for Hendrix a season ago but Arron Sahlmann returns at goalkeeper as well. Other notable returners include Josh Robbins, Patrick Dellinger, Evan Trimble, Ricky Barrientos, Jackson Goodwin and Eli Brizendine.

"In goal, Neuman and Sahlmann will compete for the starting job and both are very capable of being the starter," stated Coach Kern."

Barrientos carded seven goals off 22 shots in the 2018 season while playing in 18 games while Goodwin carved up a team-high five assists as part of his freshman campaign.

Newcomers
With 10 incoming Warrior men's soccer players set to begin collegiate competition this month, depth shouldn't be an issue for this team, at all. 

"Our newcomers will need to prove they are at the college fitness level and adjust to the speed of the game, but several players have the ability to compete for playing time including Luis Lara, Garrett Bosley, Cade Hallman, Zack Roberts, Mason Owen and Ethan Nelson," Coach Kern said.

Schedule
The Warriors host an exhibition match Aug. 20 in Conway versus crosstown foe Central Baptist College at 6 p.m. before battling Ecclesia Aug. 22 in an exhibition game as well. Hendrix will officially open the 2019 season Aug. 30 when the Warriors host Huntingdon as part of the 2019 Hendrix Invitational. Other notable games include Sept. 18 against non-conference foe Ozarks in Conway, the Southern Athletic Association opener Sept. 28 against Birmingham-Southern from Conway, Oct. 4 against Mississippi University for Women in Conway followed by facing Millsaps two days later for Senior Day. The Warriors will also face Berry and Oglethorpe in its final two home games of the 2019 regular season.

"We are excited about the schedule we have put together with two home exhibitions and 17 regular season matches; 10 of those being at home," Coach Kern went on to say.

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