The Tribune

The University of the Bahamas Mingoes men’s soccer team starts its season today against Penn State Altoona in Altoona, Pennsylvania.

The Mingoes also play Mount Aloysius College on Saturday in Cresson, Pennsylvania as a part of the two-match opening tour.

Head Coach Dion Godet says he has high expectations for the team that won the local Bahamas Football Association league last season.

“If we go in there and win or draw I think that is a stepping stone for us because we are leaving our jurisdiction and we are not familiar with the players,” he said.

“We are going to have to use football savvy to create a result.”

Godet says he’ll be looking at the overall play of the side over the weekend.

“The reality is though we have to look at how we play these matches,” he said.

“If we lose but we had opportunities and they scored on good opportunities then we can build.

“A loss is not a total loss and there is a lot to be gained.”

The side also travels without national team goalkeeper Julio Jemison who is nursing an injury. Godet says the team is still strong considering this year’s recruiting class and the side’s other keeper.

“I would dare say that five of those who are actually just coming into the university will be starters with all things being considered,” he said. “Michael Butler is our other keeper and he’s been named to national team squad and he’s very adroit at the position and we don’t lose anything there with Julio being out. Both of them could be keeper or on another part of the field and that would add to our quality.”

The side plays Penn State Altoona 7pm Thursday and Mount Aloysius College 5pm Saturday.