VIDEO: Stephen Lyons Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn – In the first of the three part series previewing the 2017 Carson-Newman men's soccer team, the spotlight is on the forwards who are on the roster for the new season. The position returns two players who are joined by two newcomers.
Head coach Stephen Lyons expects sophomores Ashley Kelynack and Collin Hensel to step up as leaders for the group.
"Ashley had a good summer with the Knoxville Force NPSL team, scored a number of goals and had a few assists," Lyons said. "Hoping he can continue that trend. And then Collin, as well, chipped in with a few goals last season and hoping he can continue to do the same."
Both players combined for three goals scored, sending in 33 shots with 16 on goal in their initial campaign for the Eagles.
True freshman Matt Pinder will be competing for playing time in Orange and Blue alongside Zimiso Stewart, a graduate from Doornpoort, South Africa.
"(Stewart) is used to playing at this level, used to the experience factor," Lyons said. "I hope that he can continue what he's best at doing and that's scoring goals."
Stewart comes from Saint Andrews University where he was the top goalscorer in 2013 with 11 goals, the same year he was named the offensive MVP of the team. He was named an American Athletic Conference Player of the Week and made it onto the All-AAC team that season, as well.
"The new guys are looking really good so far in training," Lyons said. "[They're] looking sharp."
The second installment of the 2017 Carson-Newman men's soccer team preview will come out later this week with the focus on the midfielders.