The build-up towards the start of the LSU Eunice soccer programs continues with the release of their fall schedules.
The men's team will have a 12-game schedule while the women's squad is scheduled for a 14-game slate.
Both Bengal squads will play in a total of 11 doubleheaders, including a pair of exhibitions.
LSUE will head to LSU Alexandria to open the season in an Aug. 11 doubleheader set for 3 p.m.
In addition to joint exhibitions at East Texas Baptist University on Aug.21, the men's team will host Louisiana College in an Aug. 18 tune-up.
The regular season starts with LSUE’s first ever home games, a doubleheader against NCAA Division II Delta State starting at 2 p.m.
“It was a difficult task to try to schedule games much later than most teams,” LSUE Women's Soccer head coach Ian McGimsey said. “Despite the obstacles, we couldn’t be happier with how the schedule turned out.”
“We want to compete right away,” added LSUE Men's Soccer head coach Josh McReynolds.
“Our schedules will help us push our limits and demand a high performance for our teams every outing.”
The Bengals will host doubleheaders against Andrew College (Aug. 28), Jacksonville College (Sept. 1), Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (Sept. 11) and Blinn College (Oct. 10). Road twinbills include trips to Mississippi College JV (Sept. 4), Mountain View College (Sept. 15), Northeast Texas CC (Sept. 18) and Western Texas College (Oct. 2).
On the men’s side, the Bengals add single road games Mississippi Gulf Coast (Sept. 22), Southwest Mississippi CC (Sept. 25) and Coastal Bend College (Oct. 13).
“The two games against Mississippi Gulf Coast will be a great test for our men against a nationally ranked opponent,” McReynolds said. “We have games against teams from three different NJCAA regions, giving us a good look at the region and the high level of play that is expected each time out.”
The women will add a home date with Southwest Mississippi CC (Sept. 19) and Navarro College (Oct. 6), and road tilts against East Central CC (Sept. 25) and Angelina College (Oct. 14). Navarro comes off of a 16-2 campaign, falling in the Region XIV championship to eventual National Champion, Tyler JC.
“It’s important for us to play some of the best teams in the southeast region and games against powers like Navarro College certainly fit that bill,”McGimsey said.
“In addition to some very good Texas schools, being able to face talented Mississippi schools will give us an idea of what to expect during the postseason.”
Coaches McReynolds and McGimsey will welcome their teams to campus on Aug. 4 with the first training sessions scheduled for Aug. 6.