Pirates soccer team looks to trump 2009 season

The AASU soccer team, now in its sixth year of existence, looks forward to defending the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship from last season, the first in program history. "Obviously, 2009 was a tremendous season for us," said head Coach Eric Faulconer, who started the program in 2005. "I feel that the 2010 season holds the potential to be even better. This is by far the deepest team we have ever had here at Armstrong. If our players focus on a team first concept and not individual minutes in a particular match, we could be quite special."

The players understand Faulconer's concept of team over individuality and know that gives them the best shot to repeat last year's success.

"Our motto is ‘26 strong,'" said senior Carey Patterson, the anchor of the defensive line that helped the Pirates record a 1.14 GAA and tally nine shutouts last season. "We have 26 players that are all working together and capable of playing at high levels."

"This year's team has the most talent collectively than any other team since I've been here," said senior goalkeeper Tracey Mitchell, who is 31-14-5 in her three seasons as the Pirates' starting keeper. "The freshman class and transfers that came into the program this year are talented hard workers who bring out the best skills of the returners."

If the Pirates are able to repeat as Peach Belt Conference Champions this season, it won't be considered a successful season in the eyes of the players.

"We all have high expectations to win the regular and tournament PBC titles and go to at least the Sweet 16," Mitchell said.

The Pirates have been picked to finish second in the conference, behind rival Columbus State University, in a preseason poll of the Peach Belt coaches. Carey Patterson and sophomore Morgan Mitchell were also named to the PBC preseason all-conference team.