---Stephen O'Brien is one of 12 newcomers looking to make an impact during the 2008 season.

By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team kicks off the 2008 regular season on Friday when the Norse travel to Buckhannon, W. Va., to take on West Virginia Wesleyan College in non-conference action. The match will kick off at approximately 8 p.m., following a WVWC women’s match against Clarion.

The Norse posted a 22-2 record a year ago and advanced to the NCAA Division II national quarterfinals for the second straight year. Despite returning just 10 players from last year’s roster, the Norse are receiving plenty of preseason accolades, including a No. 5 national ranking and the role of favorites in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

NKU holds a slim lead in the all-time series, 5-4, but is 1-3 against the Bobcats in Buckhannon. The Norse have won the last two meetings between the team by identical 4-0 scores after dropping the previous three decisions.

The Norse will come home on Sunday to face Charleston (W. Va.) in the 2008 home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

WITH A WIN: The Norse will…

  • Go to 1-0 on the season.
  • Win their third straight season opener.
  • Go to 15-10-4 all-time in season openers.
  • Win their 23rd straight regular-season game.
  • Win their 11th straight regular-season non-conference game.
  • Improve their road unbeaten streak to 18 games (currently 16-0-1 dating to Oct. 30, 2005).

PRESEASON SUCCESS: The Norse took a pair of 1-0 victories in preseason exhibitions against Division I foes IUPUI and Wright State. The Norse got a goal from Braden Bishop in the 30th minute to down IUPUI, while Mike Jonca provided the difference in the 25th minute against the Raiders.

SUPERLATIVE RETURNEES: The Norse have a pair of national award winners returning to the pitch for the 2008 season: Braden Bishop was a first team All-American after leading the Norse with 16 goals and 39 points during his sophomore campaign, while Michael Lavric led the nation in goals allowed average at 0.48 in his freshman year.