SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Cosumnes River College men's soccer team will open the 2013 regular season tomorrow when they play host to visiting Feather River College.  The Golden Eagles, based out of Quincy, will test a relatively young Hawks group when they face off tomorrow afternoon.  This match will mark the debut of the brand-new CRC soccer fields, located north of parking lot H.

"On paper we look good," says head coach Ron Preble of his roster.  The Hawks recent performance during practice has made an impression on the coaching staff.  "The last three practices have been very competitive; they've been a real eye opener."

Coach Preble believes the team's recent training sessions serve as a barometer on how the group will respond to competition.  CRC's difficult off-season training regimen had taken its toll on some of the players, as the coaching staff believed players were struggling with their endurance.  The staff has been encouraged, however, with the group's recent performance heading into the season opener.  "The offseason is designed to break them down, to make players bigger, faster and stronger.  They had heavy legs but have pushed through, and were looking very good at the end."

With respect to Feather River College, coach Preble believes the best preparation is for the team to play their game, their way.  "We haven't seen them in a few years, and we don't know much," says the coach with respect to the Feather River program.  "They're a different kind of program due to their recruiting area.  They're unpredictable," commented Preble on the team's personnel. 

The Golden Eagles are supposed to have a standout class of freshman heading into the season, so the match will be a great test to see how the youthful Hawks will respond.  "All we can do tomorrow is try to get them to play with a like mind."  Coach Preble believes creating a "team identity" and building an emphasis on discipline on playing within that identity are critical to the Hawks success this season.  "We'll have success when that develops."

Players to watch:

Eliezer Ramos – returning player who brings "athleticism and ability" to the team, according to coach Preble.

Francisco Ornelas – the team's top player last season, he will be counted on significantly this season.

Freshmen class – Coach Preble believes this recruiting class to be "the best one of the better ones we've had in years."

Quote:

"Once we get our legs it'll be fun to see what we can do" – Head Coach Ron Preble on the 2013 Hawks