INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced the men’s soccer schedule for the upcoming 2009 season, including at least five matches against teams that played in the NCAA postseason in 2008. In all, Head Coach Steve Franklin’s squad will take on five in-state opponents and host eight regular season matches. 

During the preseason, the Jaguars’ will host Division II powerhouse Northern Kentucky on Aug. 22 and then participate in the National Soccer Festival in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Aug. 29. IUPUI will open the regular season at Kuntz Stadium against Detroit on Sept. 1.

From there, IUPUI will take part in the University of Kentucky Invitational, playing host UK on Sept. 4 and 2008 NCAA Tournament participant Louisville on Sept. 6. After matches against Horizon League foes Cleveland State (Sept. 11) and Valparaiso (Sept. 13), the Jaguars will take part in the Pro Rehab Aces Soccer Classic in Evansville, Ind.. Franklin’s team will take on host Evansville on Sept. 18 and Eastern Illinois on Sept. 20.

The remainder of the non-conference schedule is highlighted by a first-ever meeting with Ohio State (Sept. 23) and the annual meeting with Butler (Oct. 14), this year at Kuntz Stadium. IUPUI will open Summit League play against reigning tournament champion UMKC (Sept. 26) at Kuntz and will host IPFW (Oct. 31) at the on-campus Michael A. Carroll Stadium for Senior Day.

“We wanted to challenge our kids during the preseason to best prepare them for Summit League play,” Franklin said. “Our league is always a dogfight, so I think playing teams like Kentucky, Louisville and Ohio State will test our guys early.

“We’ve got a good mix of experience and young kids, so we’re going to learn a lot about our team during the preseason and games early in the year.”  

Franklin’s squad returns seven starters from last year’s 8-9-2 squad, including goalkeeper Tyler Keever and top two scorers in Perez Agaba and Matt Guy. In addition, senior forward Eric Weigman gives the Jaguars another proven scorer, having tallied 13 goals in his three-year career.

Defensively, the trio of Derek Craig, Weston Hawkins and Yogi Snider will be asked the anchor the defense in front of Keever. Keever had a 1.26 goals against average and four shutouts before missing the final three weeks of the season to injury. The midfield boasts the return of junior Nate Ohmer, who made 13 starts last year.

The 2009 recruiting class is keyed by defensive players Michael Wignot and Emile Garcia and highly touted midfielder Denny Moynihan. In all, Franklin has inked 11 newcomers for next year’s squad.

IUPUI’s complete 2009 schedule is available by clicking here.