Heading into the opening of the fall sports season, the Cape Fear Community College men’s and women’s soccer teams will feature talented players from across the region.
After a 17-2 season under second-year coach Melissa Anderson, the Lady Sea Devils are poised to make a run past their district tournament appearance in 2013.
“This season is shaping up well,” said Anderson. “Losing in double overtime last year for only our second loss of the fall was a heart breaker and the returners want it back.”
Returning starters Nikki Tiller (New Hanover), Megan Fouty (Topsail) and Armani Boswell (S.W. Onslow) will bring consistent play to the pitch. Tiller looks to build off her freshman year performance as the team’s leading goal scorer.
Goa keepers Kristen Stenclik and Alyssa Alley will help the team get off to a strong start along with freshmen Karlie Yeomans (Croatan H.S.), Alex Strickland (Gouldsboro) and Larissa Banilla, a transfer from Belmont Abbey.
Locals Vivian Fernandez (New Hanover) and Angella Zanelli (Laney) should also play a big role in the Cape Fear midfield.
The women’s soccer team will play a 20-game schedule beginning on Saturday, Aug. 23, at home against Howard CC. Home games are played at the CFCC North Campus off of Blue Clay Road. The Lady Sea Devils have an exhibition game set for Monday, Aug. 18, at St. Andrews University.
On the men’s side, Chris Libert is also entering his second season as the men’s coach after posting a 12-6-3 record in 2013. The Sea Devils are looking to bounce back after a first round setback back in the 1st round of the Region Ten Tournament.
“We’re looking for a great year,” said Libert. “It’s our first full year of players that we were able to bring in players that we recruited and extremely excited for my second season at the helm of the men’s team. I feel we are better in every position from last year. It’s going to be a tough conference schedule, but up for the challenge and looking forward to the future of the program in the 2014 season.”
Key returners for the Sea Devils include former Ashley High School standout Myles Strickland, goal keeper Dakota Moore (Dixon HS) and defenseman David Segura (Lincolnton HS).
Libert also expects contributions from newcomers Brian Pinder (Laney), Muhammed Jahateh (Millbrook HS, Raleigh), Tyus Lopez (Mallard Creek HS, Charlotte) and Mamadou Kelleh (Riverside HS, Durham).
The CFCC men’s soccer team opens their 23 game slate with two exhibition games leading to their regular season opener on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Northern Virginia Community College.
