WILMINGTON, NC - "We have really grown well as a team leading up to the regular season on and off the pitch. Our pre-season game gave us a lot of insight on what we needed to work on and the guys have really been pushing this past week. Although we have a young team and are working out some kinks, I am expecting us to be very competitive on the pitch," said Sea Devil Men's Soccer Head Coach C.W. Ponton prior to today's game versus USC Lancaster.

The Sea Devils return six players from last year's squad, and welcome 16 freshmen to this year's team. The team also welcomes Richard Yakubu, a former Cape Fear men's soccer player to the staff as the team's new Volunteer Assistant Coach.  Coach Chris Harper will return to the sidelines for his second season as well as Volunteer Assistant Coach.

Kick-off from today's Region 10 contest between the Sea Devils and the Lancers is scheduled for 4pm (EST) at SCL Lancer Soccer Field.

PONTON MAKES DEBUT AT THE HELM

C.W. Ponton, will make his debut as the Sea Devils Men's Soccer Head Coach on Tuesday evening against Region 10 opponent, USC Lancaster.

SERIES RESULTS & RECENT HISTORY VERSUS USC LANCASTER

September 3, 2015
Cape Fear Community College   4  -  USC Lancaster  3
The Sea Devils jumped out to an early lead following two first half goals by Andrew Goodman (25^th and 32^nd minute), but USC Lancaster's Douglas Palma would cut the margin to one with his 39^th minute goal just before halftime, to make the score (2-1). In the second half, the Sea Devils got an early goal from Vlyle Walker in the 58^th minute, but USC Lancaster would strike back with two unanswered goals by Julian Welborn (64^th minute) and Logan Stuart (77^th minute). The game looked like it was going to end in a 3-3 tie but former Cape Fear forward Miguel Ramos found the back of the net with his (85^th minute) goal from a pass from Franco Fernandez, which was the final goal of the match.

October 17, 2015
USC Lancaster  1  -  Cape Fear Community College   2
Cape Fear continued their winning streak over USC Lancaster following their (2-1) victory on Saturday night. The Sea Devils got their two goals scored in the match from sophomore forward Tyus Jones in the game's 44^th and 74^th minute. USC Lancaster did manage to cut the lead in half in the 83^rd minute from a goal by Jefferson Diaz, but the Sea Devils would hold on to win their six win of the season, and third conference win of the season.

SCOUTING THE LANCERS

Freshman F Scott Endres
-          2 appearances (2 starts) and has recorded 1 goal and 2 points on the season
-          Comes to USC Lancaster from Gold Coast, Queensland (Australia)

Sophomore F Christian Tarque
-          2 appearances (2 starts) and has recorded 2 assists and 2 points on the season
-          Native of Lancaster, SC

Freshman GK Travis Scheppele
-          1 appearance (1 start), has a 2.00 GAA, with 5 saves (.714 save%) on the season
-          Native of Rock Hill, SC

SEA DEVILS' TO WATCH

Freshman F Alfredo Martinez
-          Recorded 17 goals and 34 points in his senior season at Smithfield-Selma HS  in 13 game appearances

Freshman D Keaton Simmons
-          Was a two-year varsity defender at Hoggard HS, where he recorded 26 game appearances
-          Recorded 11 goals, 9 assists, and 31 points in his 26 appearances

Freshman GK Martin Zambrano
-          Native of Hendersonville, NC, played at Hendersonville HS
-          Appeared in 33 games in his two seasons on the varsity team; recorded 178 saves, only allowed 13G his senior season

COACH'S CORNER

Coach Ponton addressed that the biggest keys to victory in today's match against USC Lancaster are, "communication, effective transition, and set pieces."

SEA DEVIL PRACTICE REPORT

Brian Leite, was a player that Coach Ponton mentioned as a someone to watch following the team's week of practice.

SHARE YOUR SUPPORT & FOLLOW THE TEAM

Be sure to follow the Sea Devils men's soccer team account on their various social media outlets:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/capefearmenssoccer/

Instagram: @CapeFearMensSoccer - Use #SeaDevils and #CapeFearMensSoccer together when you post pictures this season when you are at games to share your support towards the Sea Devils men's soccer team and Sea Devil Athletics.

Upcoming Home Games:
September 10: USC Salkehatchie,  4pm
September 11: USC Lancaster,  6pm
September 14: Louisburg College, 5pm

Courtesy Trent Brinkley