Men's Soccer | 9/2/2014 5:36:00 PM

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – West Alabama men's soccer will open its 2014 season at home against Concordia on Thursday at 7 p.m. To welcome back UWA fans to Tiger Stadium, the UWA athletic department will give away free hot dogs to the first 100 fans to the game as well as free t-shirts during the match.

A special presentation will be made during half time of the match as members of the 2013 UWA football team will be honored with Gulf South Conference Champion rings presented by Athletic Director Stan Williamson.  

Men's soccer kicks off the season following a successful preseason where they defeated Birmingham Southern and Belhaven in exhibition play. The program, in its third season, looks to build on an 11-7-1 overall record and Gulf South Conference tournament runner-up finish a year ago.

"Our guys have been training very hard and have put in a solid preseason performance," said UWA head men's soccer coach Matthew Thorne. "We are looking forward to a big season this year. We especially encourage Tiger fans to come out and support us at home. A strong fan base is crucial to pushing our program to the next level."

This year's squad features six seniors that include 2013's GSC Player of the Year, Thibault Charmey. Midfielder's William Artiga, Emmanuel Mondestin and Academic All-American Evan Beutler along with striker's Vitor Gazza and Traye Torrance begin their final season at UWA.

Along with nine other juniors, preseason All-GSC honoree's Alex Brown and goalkeeper Lavares Stone will lead the Tiger defense.

The home opener will also give fans their first look at 12 new faces on the pitch for the UWA. Junior transfer Jason Boxx and freshman Matthew Pemberton were each named as 2014 Top Newcomers to the GSC and lead a recruiting class of 11 freshmen and one transfer.

Prior to Thursday's match fans can catch coach Thorne on the weekly UWA Coach's Show at Austin's Steakhouse on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. The radio program is broadcasted on ESPN 104.9 and ESPN1049.com.