The Saint Leo men's soccer team opens the 2019 season on Friday, September 6 at Southeastern under the direction of first-year head coach Brett Parker. Parker, joins the Lions after a run to the NCAA Division II Men's Soccer National Semifinals with Fort Hays State. The program's ninth head coach will take the helm after the Green and Gold's 2018 season ended with a 3-13 over record, 0-10 mark in the Sunshine State Conference. Parker welcomed 23 newcomers to the squad, returning 13 Lions for the new season.
 
Last season's offensive leader, Elias Niesigk, returns as a graduate student to close out his collegiate career. Niesigk started in 15 of the 16 games in 2018, tallying six goals and four assists. He netted the game-winner in the Green and Gold's 1-0 victory over Montevallo.
 
Mathis Hardy and Dion Dozzell also return as veterans from the offensive side of the field. Hardy earned a pair of goals and assists while Dozzel netted three goals in just two game appearances.
 
On the backline, starters Karl Nyman, Kevoy Bailey, Peitro Vagnone and Guilaume Campos return.
 
Goalkeepers Wessel Berenschot and Christian Evans return for their senior campaigns. They are joined in the net by Jackson Eckley, a freshman from Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa, Fla.
 
Of the 23 newcomers, nine are transfers to Saint Leo alongside of 14 true freshmen.
 
The Saint Leo Lions officially kickoff the season on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m. at Southeastern. After five non-conference match ups, the Green and Gold will open play in the Sunshine State Conference on Saturday, September 21 at Embry-Riddle at 7 p.m.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.