FULTON, Mo.- The start of the men's soccer season is here, as the Owls host Avila University in their season opener starting at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow night.

2012 Recap
The team had an up-and-down regular season, starting out 1-3 in their first four games, before going on a six game winning streak in the middle of the year beating teams' such as Southwest Baptist, Central Christian, Culver-Stockton, Webster University, Williams Baptist and Benedictine-Springfield, but ran into a tough stretch at the end of the season losing three of the final five games. Those three losses, however, came at the hands of top 25 competition in Columbia College, Hannibal-LaGrange and Lyon College.

The team ended up defeating Park University in the season finale and in the quarterfinals of the AMC tournament, the Owls took on Park again and shutout the Pirates 3-0 getting goals from Marcelo Carreiro, Sebastian Burich and Joao Paulo Parra. But, the season came to an for the Owls in 2012 with an 11-8-1 overall record (4-3-1 AMC) falling in the American Midwest Conference semifinals, to Hannibal-LaGrange 3-0

The offense ended up with the second best goals per game average (2.65) in the conference, second in shots per game 20.55 and third in assists totaling 43.

The Matchup
Avila and William Woods have met eight times (3-3-2) over their careers against each other, with the Owls winning the most recent matchup in the 2011 by the score of 5-1. In that game, Joao Paulo Parra led the Owls to victory scoring two goals on seven shots and added one assist. Marcelo Carreiro, Luca Stroeter and Kyle Konigsberg each chipped in a goal as well.

Tough Non-Conference Schedule
To prepare themselves for AMC play, the Owls will be tested throughout the season in non-conference play, facing off against teams such as Avila, McKendree University, Webster University, Lindenwood-University-Belleville, no. 18 Missouri Valley, and Central Methodist. The team has already played one top 25 team, as the Owls battled to a 0-0 tie in a scrimmage against no. 17 Benedictine (Kan.).

Home Field Advantage
Since Head Coach Nathan Mason took over the team in 2008, the Owls haven't had a losing record while playing in front of the home crowd.

AMC Newcomers
This season the American Midwest Conference welcomes Freed-Hardeman and Mid-Continent to join an already stellar conference. The men's soccer team will be traveling to MCU this season for their first ever matchup, while the Owls will host Freed-Hardeman on October 15^th. In 2014, the AMC will be bringing in Lindenwood University-Belleville and St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Top 25 Competition In AMC
The NAIA released the preseason top 25 polls, with 2012 AMC Champion Hannibal-LaGrange coming in at no. 7, followed by AMC runner-up Columbia College entering at no. 12 and Lyon College receiving votes. The Owls are also looked upon as one of the favorites for the conference title and have a strong chance of getting into the top 25 this season.

Players To Look Out For-William Woods
The expectations are high for the Owls this season, as the team returns plenty of key players including senior Marcelo Carreiro who led the Owls in 2012 with 12 goals and 28 total points. Joao Paulo Parra will be another player to look out for on offense this season, as the senior will look to build off last year with six goals, eight assists and 20 points.

Luca Stroeter (four goals, eight assists) and Sebastian Burcich (six goals, four assists) will be looking to top their 2012 season, as the duo combined for 10 goals and 12 assists. Meanwhile, the Owls stay strong on defense returning two time all-conference member Alan Matthew and three year starter and current captain Ryan Miller.

Coach Mason believes these five players will play a very important factor in their pursuit of their first American Midwest Conference title. "Marcelo was the leader in goals, JP had a stellar career thus far here at WWU, as he is currently second all-time in goals and Luca was our assist leader in 2012," said Mason. "Sebastian had a few game winners and was our main target to play off of on the field. All have great talent and experience, and I am confident in our backline defense that is anchored (Alan) Matthew and (Ryan) Miller). Those backs have provided us amazing leadership," said Mason.

In net, the team returns Dillon Snyder who appeared in 14 games last year, leading the team in minutes (1063:48) and wins (8). Snyder, only a sophomore, was fourth in the conference in goals against average (1.52)

Players to Look Out For-Avila University
Avila ended their 2012 campaign with a record of 6-12 and 1-6 overall in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. The team lost last year's leading goal scorer (5) and point leader (11) Justin Scicluna, but will look to Felipe Garcia to led the offense this season. In 18 games last year, Garcia was second on the team in goals (3) and points (8), however, he did lead the team in assists with two.

In goal, Avila will look to starting goalie Pedro Vargas in net, whom led the team in minutes (1024:31), goals against average (2.280) and wins (4). Jesus Revilla looks to be next in line to start, as he appeared in seven games totaling 572 minutes, a goals against average of 2.830 and a save percentage of 0.710.

Tweet ##Owls_MSOC