Men's soccer opens 2013 at Lehigh Friday

MEN'S SOCCER OPENS 2013 SEASON AT LEHIGH FRIDAY (7 P.M.), LAFAYETTE SUNDAY (4 P.M.)

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The long awaited return to the pitch is nearly over as the Bryant University men's soccer team gets the 2013 season rolling with a trip to Pennsylvania for matches against Lehigh on Friday (7 p.m.) and Lafayette on Sunday (4 p.m.).

After posting a Division I program-record six wins a season ago, the Bulldogs return a strong group this season as they look to earn their first postseason berth at the D I level. Sophomore forward Brett Larocque (Ottawa, Ont.) and junior forward Connor Norat (Wilmington, Del.) return up front for the Black and Gold, while junior defender Shane Murphy (Kennet Square, Pa.) looks to anchor a young, but talented defensive unit.

Bryant opens its 2013 regular season at Lehigh Friday night at 7 p.m. The Mountain Hawks, who are tabbed to finish eighth in the 2013 Patriot League Preseason Coaches Poll, closed the 2012 season with a 4-12-1 overall mark. Lehigh returns two of its leading scorers from 2012 in seniors James Meyerkord and Ben Wysocki, while adding nine freshmen to the 2013 roster. Friday will mark the first match between the two schools since Bryant joined the D I ranks in 2008.

Two days later, the Bulldogs will venture to Easton, Pa., for a Sunday afternoon (4 p.m.) showdown with the defending Patriot League Champs, Lafayette. Tabbed to finish fifth in the league in 2013, the Leopards return All-Patriot League Preseason selection, Alec Golini, who finished last season with a team leading seven goals.

For links to live stats and streaming video of weekend action and all the latest news on the Bryant University men's soccer team, visit BryantBulldogs.com.