Men’s Soccer Preview: Eagles Eye Nationals and a Conference Title

The Faith Eagles begin their 2022 season on the road on Thursday, September 1, 2022, with a difficult matchup against Providence University--a team Coach Gary Backous believes will be ranked in the top five in NCCAA Division II men's soccer. The Eagles face the Pilots at 3:30 p.m. in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota.

"I'm excited and optimistic about the potential we have this year," said Backous. "We've been doing a lot more in terms of fitness and preparation for this season than we have in previous years. Prior to this year, we spent a lot of time just learning the game. We have such a good group of returnees that we have that understanding, so now we can take it to the next level."

Coach Backous hopes that "next level" is a conference title and a trip to the national tournament in Kissimmee, Florida, in November. A strong cast of returnees, including 2021 All-Conference selections Joshua Forgie, Moses Amani, and James Busenitz, along with the arrival of several key newcomers, has the coaching staff confident that those goals are attainable.

"We've got great kids coming in," said Backous. "I'm really excited about David Garcia. I think he's going to be fantastic. Samuel Roman is a good freshman as well. I think they will both contribute right away."

The team has spent the preseason focusing on fundamentals, fitness, and finishing at the goal. Coach Backous believes this year's team will play a fun style of soccer that the fans and players alike will enjoy. He says the biggest key to taking the next step forward from last year's 10-win season are to have a default aggression and to be more physical.

"We need to be, as our default, more aggressive and physical," said Backous.

The Eagles will play 13 games during the regular season. After three straight road games to start the year, they finally get a home match against Barclay College on Friday, September 16, followed by an important home game against Manhattan Christian College on Saturday, September 17. This year's homecoming opponent is Maranatha Baptist University on Saturday, October 8, at 3 p.m.

For the complete schedule, visit fbbceagles.com.