Aug. 14, 2001

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford Soccer team had its second practice of the 2001 season Tuesday morning at the Samford Soccer Field with 12 returning players going through workouts.

Twelve incoming freshmen are on campus but will not practice with the returners until Thursday. Head coach Barry Spitzer was encouraged by what he saw from his returning players on Tuesday. "You can see that the players have worked hard during the off season," said Spitzer. "We are strides ahead of where we were last year at this time. Our fitness is better and some of the role players from last year are showing great improvement, so I am very excited about where we are right now."

The Bulldogs went 8-8-1 last season. The defense was a bright spot allowing 1.54 goals per game which ranked third in the TAAC. The defense again looks to be the Bulldogs strength but young legs up front and in the midfield should boost the scoring production this season.

"We are experienced in the back," says Spitzer. "We have a senior in goal and two juniors on defense. Up front, we are going to have all freshmen and sophomores but that is alright because we have a number of players who can score and make things happen. We are faster and deeper than we have ever been."

Samford coaches also expect the midfield players to move forward and score more than a year ago. "Last year we got most of our scoring from forwards," said Spitzer. "This year, we will be more balanced. We have midfielders who can score but can also get back on defense.

The Bulldogs will leave for Brazil to continue their preseason workouts on Thursday at 9 a.m. The team will play eight matches in 10 days in Brazil before opening up the 2001 season in College Station, Texas against 12th ranked Texas A&M on Aug. 31.