Aug. 28, 2008

EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette men's soccer team kicks off its 2008 season at the West Virginia Tournament on Friday and Sunday. The Leopards take on host West Virginia at 7 p.m. on Friday and will face Binghamton on Sunday at 11 a.m.

Lafayette is coming off a 10-4-6 record in 2007 and advanced to the Patriot League championship game for the third straight season. The team was ranked seventh nationally with a 0.56 goals-against average and returns several key offensive weapons this year, including sophomore B.J. Glenn whose five goals last season were good for second on the team.

West Virginia, ranked 15th by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) in its preseason poll, went 14-6-2 in 2007 and earned a first-round bye at the NCAA Tournament. The Mountaineers advanced to the Sweet 16 round of the tournament.

Binghamton returns nine starters from a 2007 team that went 14-6 and won the America East Conference regular-season title. The Bearcats have not lost a season opener since 2002.

Lafayette has faced both teams just once in its history. Last season the Leopards hosted the Mountaineers and suffered a 1-0 setback. In 2001, Lafayette traveled to Binghamton and recorded a 3-1 victory over the Bearcats.

Following this weekend's tournament, the Leopards return home to host their eighth-annual Lafayette Soccer Classic on Sept. 5 and 7.