2019 Coker Men's Soccer Season Preview

HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Heading into the 2019-20 season, there are plenty of reasons for optimism surrounding the Coker University men's soccer team. The squad will be under new coaching, along with the addition of several new players ready to contribute.

The Cobras will begin their first season under new head coach Michael Antoniewicz, who has spent the last three years as the assistant coach for Truett McConnell University. During his time at Truett McConnell, Antoniewicz helped guide the Bears to a 32-20-3 record. He helped lead the Bears to their first ever Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship and first ever NAIA tournament appearance in 2017 after finishing the season with a record of 16-4-2. 

Antoniewicz's staff will include returning assistant coach Michael Ritterbeck, and new assistant Antonio Carrabotta. 

Coker will rely upon a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen this season. The team consists of 20 returning players, 14 freshmen and seven transfer students. Antoniewicz is excited about this group of Cobras and the potential each of them have.

"Our roster is filled with great student athletes that contribute to Coker on and off the field," said Antoniewicz. "Each player has a unique skillset and brings something different to the table."

Antoniewicz is bringing a new style of soccer to Coker - a more aggressive pace of play that will take advantage and rely upon their depth. 

"We have a lot of big, athletic, and strong players this season," said Antoniewicz. "Our depth allows us to be more creative and aggressive. We believe this advantage will set us up to compete each game."

The Cobras begin the season with three matches against opponents out of Conference Carolinas, facing Southern Wesleyan (Sept. 5) and Belmont Abbey (Sept. 11) on the road before hosting Mount Olive on Sept. 14. Coker opens SAC play on Sept. 18 against Wingate, before stepping out of conference to face Shaw on Sept. 21. September concludes with matches against Lander (Sept. 25) and at Mars Hill on Sept. 29. The Cobras open October with a trip to Anderson (S.C.) on Oct. 2, before playing a three-match homestand featuring Catawba (Oct. 5), Carson-Newman (Oct. 12) and Newberry (Oct. 16). The Cobras travel to Queens (N.C.) on Oct. 19, before October ends with a trip to Tusculum (Oct. 27) and a non-conference match against Francis Marion on Oct. 30. November concludes the regular season with the Cobras hosting Lincoln Memorial on Nov. 2 and traveling to Lenoir-Rhyne in the final regular season contest on Nov. 6.

Antoniewicz is excited about the upcoming season but recognizes with a lot of change, comes a lot of challenges.

"There are several new and younger players on the roster that we want to teach how to be successful both now and in the future," said Antoniewicz. 

Positivity, pride, and respect are the three principles Antoniewicz tries to teach his players. He believes in order for Coker to achieve their season goals, each player needs to be committed to Coker University, displaying class and professionalism on and off the field.

The Cobras will open up the 2019 season on the road against Southern Wesleyan on Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m.