Men's Soccer Selected to Finish Sixth in PAC

Bethany, W.Va – A new era will commence for the Bethany College men's soccer program in 2019, as Head Coach Frankie Taal returns to his Alma Mater after spending 16 years at North Carolina Wesleyan.

Taal graduated from Bethany in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and spent over a decade around the men's and women's programs. He served five seasons as the men's assistant coach and led the women's program for a season.

"I am excited and really looking forward to the season" expressed Taal. "Being the men's head soccer coach at my alma mater is an incredible achievement and I can't wait to coach my first match."

The Bison were picked to finish sixth in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Preseason Coaches' Poll announced last Thursday along with the leagues players to watch. Taal will inherit eight upperclassmen including junior All-PAC honorable mention goal keeper Torben Grether and junior defender David Tome.

Grether appeared in 17 matches starting 16 in net for the Bison, while compiling a 1.45 GAA, with 68 saves and a .747 save percentage. He shutout opponents three times.

The Bison lost All-PAC First Team midfielder Jay O'Donnell to graduation, but look to replace the green and white's leading scorer with a mix of returners and incoming talent.

"We are going to have to be very disciplined both defensively and offensively if we are going to compete for one the top spots in the conference" stated Taal.

The Bison open up season play on the road Friday, August 30, against D'Youville. The match is set to start at 8 pm. The green and white will have their first home match against Pitt-Greensburg on Sunday, September 8 beginning at 5:30 pm.