Sept. 10, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

THIS WEEK FOR THE DONS: USF heads to Stockton, CA for the Pacific Fall Classic, hosted by the Tigers. The Dons will not meet Pacific in the Tournament, but will match up against Tennessee-Martin (9/12 at 4:00 PM) and Hawai'i (9/14 at 10:00 AM). 2008 marks the first time the Dons have met the Skyhawks of Tennessee-Martin (3-1-1), and the 10th time taking on the Rainbow Wahine (1-2-0) of Hawai'i. The Dons hold a 6-0-3 advantage over the `Bows.

NEXT UP FOR USF: Following the weekend in Stockton, USF returns home for two non-conference matches with San Jose State and Pacific. The Spartans will come to the Hilltop on Thursday, September 18 at 5:00 PM. The Tigers meet the Dons at Negoesco on Sunday, September 21 at 5:00 PM. Before the Dons, Pacific hosts Iona at Stagg Memorial Stadium.

WEEK FOUR

OPPONENT CAPSULES

TENNESSEE-MARTIN SKYHAWKS
Head Coach: Craig Roberts, 3RD Year (Park University, 1992)
Career Record (Years)/School Record (Years):
  15-15-8 (3rd Year)/15-15-8 (3rd Year)
2008 Record:3-1-1
2007 Overall/Conference (Place): 10-6-3/4-2-3 OVC (4th)
NCAA/Final Ranking: N/A
Returning letter-winners/Starters: 13/
Predicted 2008 OVC Finish: Third
Series Record: First Meeting
Last Meeting: First Meeting
Series Streak: First Meeting
UCLA Website: www.utmsports.com

A LOOK AT TENNESSEE-MARTIN: UT Martin will be looking to build off the success of the 2007 season, a season in which they produced the winningest season in program history with a record of 10-6-3 (4-2-3 OVC). The Skyhawks also won their first ever OVC tournament match, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since the program originated in 1998. The UTM defense allowed only 19 goals in 19 matches in 2007, seven fewer than the previous program best in 2003.

HAWAI'I RAINBOW WAHINE
Head Coach: Pinsoom Tenzing, 15th Year (Univ. of Pujab, 1968)
Career Record (Years)/School Record (Years):
  124-125-22 (15th Year)/124-128-22 (15th Year)
2008 Record: 1-2-0
2007 Overall/Conf. (Place): 15-5-2/6-1-0 WAC (1st)
NCAA/Final Ranking: N/A
Returning letter-winners/Starters: 17/9
Predicted 2008 WAC Finish: 1st
Series Record: 6-0-3
Last Meeting: T 0-0 2OT (9/17/06)
Series Streak: Tie
Before USF: Pacific (9/12/08)
Hawai'i Website: www.hawaiiathletics.com

A LOOK AT HAWAI'I: The University of Hawai`i soccer team had a record-setting year last season, and will open the 2008 schedule with high-hopes once again. With nine starters and 17 letterwinners returning from last season's NCAA Tournament team, The University of Hawai`i was selected to repeat in 2008 and swept the Players of the Year awards. The reigning WAC Offensive Player of the Year, Hawai'i's Ambree Ako, garnered Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors for the upcoming 2008 season. Ako's teammate, Tehane Higa, took home a share of the Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year honor along with Utah State's defensive ace Lindsey Smart.