Boasting young talent from Cambodia, India, Burkina Faso, Liberia, as well as a bumper crop of homegrown players from the Palmetto State, the Rams twenty-one man squad will certainly by peppered with an international flavor.
Coach James Whitaker comes to CIU from Clearwater Christian College where he led CCC to back-to-back NCCAA D-2 National titles in 2009 and 2010. Whitaker is joined by Assistant Coaches Jeff Crews and Tyler Spraul, both joining the Rams from CCC as well. Crews has spent time in administration with the Philadelphia Union and Spraul finished his collegiate career as the most decorated player in school history at Clearwater Christian.
CIU's eighteen match schedule begins Saturday August 25. The Rams will need to hit the ground running as they will play three games in their first week of competition. Eight matches will be home games and will be played at CIU's newly constructed soccer-specific athletic facility. The regular season concludes with Columbia's homecoming match against Talladega November 3. Regional tournaments begin mid-November with the national tournament kicking off at the end of the month. Take a look at the full schedule here.
Unsurprisingly, the Rams already have a strong fanbase and I know from personal experience the international nature of the student body tends to have a good concentration of football fanatics. Fans can look forward to great season; these boys have been working hard all summer. While seating may be scarce (bring a camping chair), the Rams are promising plenty of atmosphere in a family-friendly environment. The Rams home-opener is absolutely FREE so come check the Palmetto State's newest collegiate soccer team this weekend! My crew will definitely be there and we will see you at the match!!
For more info check out the Ram's Athletics website: CIU Men's Soccer
(photo credit: CIU Men's Soccer Facebook Page)
Thanks for your support Jonathan! Look forward to seeing you there on Saturday night as history is made at CIU!
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