A returning All-American highlights an experienced midfield unit as the Georgia Gwinnett College men's soccer team begins preparations for a highly anticipated 2019 season.

The Grizzlies are coming off a 12-win season that featured a Round of 16 appearance in the NAIA national tournament and an Association of Independent Institutions championship.

"We have an experienced team with several players who have contributed to consecutive NAIA final site appearances, including a quarterfinal team (2017). They are even hungrier for more success following a successful spring of further skills development," said Head Men's Soccer Coach Steve DeCou, who enters his eighth season leading the GGC program.

Georgia Gwinnett College is scheduled to host 11 matches this fall after opening the season with road matches in Indiana against Grace College and Huntington University. The home opener at the Grizzly Soccer Complex comes Aug. 27 against Bryan College (Tenn.). View the team's entire fall schedule HERE.

Junior Toni Tiente garnered second NAIA All-America team accolades in 2018 after leading the team with 27 points and a single-season record 11 assists. He found the back of the net eight times. These statistics were a significant improvement from accounting for three goals and six points during his 2017 freshman campaign.

"Now, the fun part is for Toni to repeat the performance. It is great to do it once, but if we are going to accomplish our team goals we're going to need the same kind of performances from him," said DeCou.

Tiente seems primed for this season after earning regional honors this summer while playing for the Georgia Revolution FC of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

Other experienced midfielders included juniors Alfredo (left) and Alex Rivera, brothers who combined to make 31 appearances last fall, including four starting assignments. Alfredo provided three assists as the duo helped the Grizzlies amass 45 assists last fall.

"Alex and Alfredo were two of the most improved players during the spring. Alex turned in some great performances and really started putting together consistent performances," stated DeCou.

Five newcomers competing for playing time this fall will be freshmen Ilan Adam and Nissim Dahan.


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