ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State University Men's Soccer team will open up their season this weekend in Oklahoma. The Grizzlies will take on Oklahoma Baptist University on Thursday, Aug. 30 and Southern Nazarene University on Saturday, September 1.

The Grizzlies had a productive 2017 season finishing with a record of 7-10-1 thanks to core group of seniors but will look for young talent to step up and lead in 2018. The team will rely on veteran leadership from graduate player Brady Freehill, who missed the majority of the 2017 campaign due to injury, as well as dynamic playmaking midfielder, Dylan Udero.

Adding to the list of new faces, first year Head Coach Stan Rodrigues aims to make a splash in his first year at the helm. Rodrigues was named Region IX Coach of the Year last season at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, and will look for continued positive results this year leading the Grizzlies.

Key returners who will play a role in the team's success this season include sophomores Benji Rogers and Errol Coleman, whose roles are expected to increase immensely from last season.

Scouting the Bison
The Oklahoma Baptist Bison will look for production out of young players, much like the Grizzlies, as well as veteran newcomers for success in 2018. The Bison starting back line consists of three transfer players in Abdoulaye Bah, Dave Brown and Ítalo Vichiatto, while freshmen Bruno Feirrera and JuAn Kim are expected to start as forwards. The Bison will host the Grizzlies on Thursday at 5 p.m. CT.

Scouting the Storm
Like Adams, Southern Nazarene will debut their new head coach this weekend as Trevor Harmon will look to improve the Storm in 2018 after a 2-14-2 finish in 2017. They do not lack veteran leadership, as the team will rely on six seniors to help lead their 2018 campaign. The Storm will host the Grizzlies on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT.