JACKSON, Tenn. – A new-look Union University men's soccer team is preparing for its imminent 2024 season at Smith Memorial Soccer Complex.

Union is led once again by eighth-year head coach Steven Cox, who enters the campaign with a record of 36-55-10 (.406) in the job. Cox is assisted by Christian Young and Chris Baker; both joined the Bulldog staff in 2023. 

The 2024 roster, reshaped by a 15-man group of newcomers Cox has described as "the most experience[d]" and "most mature" signing class of his tenure, consists of seven transfers, eight freshmen, and 11 returners. 

Transfers Cillian Heaney (Nebraska-Omaha), Diego Medina (Harcum CC) and Wesley Mhlanga (Mount Olive) have been named to the GSC Newcomer Watchlist, a collection of players nominated by head coaches.

German goalkeeper Patrick Schott, a Belmont transfer, will join fellow junior Tommy Scahill in seeking to fill the void left by the departure of four-year stopper Botond Nemeth. Schott spent two seasons with the Bruins.

Read more about all of Union's newcomers here.

Following a 3-10-2 (1-9-1) 2023 season, Union has been given the 12th position in the GSC preseason coaches poll. West Florida, ranked #13 in the United Soccer Coaches national preseason poll, is considered the team to beat. Mississippi College, which topped last season's conference table, just trails the Argos, while West Alabama, Auburn-Montgomery and a tie between Christian Brothers and Lee complete the top five.

"[The Bulldogs] are hungry to get back to the GSC tournament," said Cox, describing a Union side that has not reached postseason competition since it won the Spring 2021 GSC Championship Series. The top eight teams in the conference will begin knockout competition Nov. 9.

Fans will have the chance to see Union in Jackson eight times this season, as the Bulldogs play host to Missouri-St. Louis (9/10), Missouri S&T (9/13), Christian Brothers (9/20), Champion Christian (9/23), Spring Hill (10/18), West Florida (10/20), Trevecca Nazarene (11/1) and Lee (11/3).  

Admission at all home events during the 2024-2025 season will be free thanks to the generosity of FirstBank.

Union will begin regular-season play with travel to Harding (9/5, 1 p.m.) and Ouachita Baptist (9/7, 4 p.m.). 2024 is the 27th season of Union men's soccer and the 13th of the school's affiliation with the GSC.

To stay up to date with the squad, visit uuathletics.com/coverage and follow @UUAthleticsMS on Instagram and Twitter.

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