@CanesFutbol Opens Season in South Carolina

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami soccer team is set to begin the 2015 regular season Friday night in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

The Hurricanes will play a pair of matches in the Charleston Nike Classic, beginning with a contest against the College of Charleston, the tournament host, at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Miami enters the regular season after playing two weather-shortened exhibition contests. The Hurricanes won 1-0 at FIU in a match that lasted just under 44 minutes and then played nearly 11 minutes of scoreless action at Stetson. Sophomore forward Ronnie Johnson scored the lone goal in the match against FIU.

The Hurricanes’ top six players in points from the 2014 season are all back this year, including co-captains Gianna Dal Pozzo, Erin McGovern and Natalie Moik. They join fellow co-captain Shannon McCarthy among the eight returning starters on third-year head coach Mary-Frances Monroe’s roster.

Miami closed its 2014 campaign by winning two of its final three matches and added eight newcomers to the fold this season.

The College of Charleston posted a 7-11-1 mark last year, including a 2-6-1 tally in Colonial Athletic Association matches. The Cougars went 1-0-1 in their exhibition matches this month, recording a 2-1 victory at home over High Point and playing to a scoreless draw at North Florida.

The match between the Hurricanes and Cougars will be shown live on the Charleston Sports Network, which can be found HERE, while live stats will also be available HERE.

After taking on the College of Charleston, Miami will meet Texas Sunday at 12:00 p.m. in its final match of the Charleston Nike Classic.

To track the University of Miami soccer team during opening weekend, follow @CanesFutbol.