Seahawk Corner Kicks

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•Offensive Player to watch

Thomas Driver - Notched UNCW's lone goal against Charlotte in opening exhibition match. UNCW's top returning point-scorer from 2011.

•Defensive Player to watch

Michael Mecham - Started opener at center back for Seahawks and responded with strong play. Was physical and gave UNCW a presence in the air.

•Midfielder to watch

Mateo Cardona - Strong play on the wing gave UNCW several opportunities to score, but were unable to get the final pass needed.

•Schedule Notes

- The Seahawks will play 11 home matches, nine in the regular season, including the annual UNCW Hilton Garden Inn Classic (Sept. 14, 16). - Including exhibition games, the Seahawks will play seven teams that played in the 2011 NCAA tournament. The teams combined for a 9-7-1 record. - St. Mary’s reached the quarterfinal round while Charlotte advanced to the finals. - The Seahawks face a daunting stretch when they take on three NCAA tournament programs in James Madison (Oct. 10), Old Dominion (Oct. 13) and Georgia State (Oct. 17). All three matches will be played at the UNCW Soccer Stadium.

•Season Notes

Head Coach Aidan Heaney enters the season with a record of 95-95-22 in 11 seasons with the Seahawks.He's second to Calvin Lane (129) in most wins by a UNCW coach.

The Seahawks had four players sign professional contracts off the 2011 squad. Brandon Miller (Rochester), Daniel Roberts (Wilmington), Christian Davidson (Wilmington) and Josh Boone (Dayton). All played in the United Soccer League.

The Seahawks host the Wolfpack of NC State on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the final exhibition game for both sides. UNCW opened with a 3-1 setback to Charlotte and this will be the only preseason outing for NC State.

In Tuesday's match with Charlotte [Story / Box Score], the Seahawks narrowed a 2-0 deficit to a one-goal affair midway through the second half on a goal from Thomas Driver, but the 49ers put the game away less than three minutes later with a strike in the 83rd minute.

Driver's goal came off a corner kick in the 79th minute from Matt Feigler. The cross came from the right side and found an open Driver, who tucked his header inside the left post to make it 2-1.

Trailing 1-0 in the 36th minute, UNCW freshman Jose Garcia threatened to tie the game, but Charlotte goalkeeper Klay Davis was able to make a save on a short volley shot from 18 yards out to preserve the 49er lead.

Next up for the Seahawks is UNC Greensboro, on Aug. 24 at the UNCW Soccer Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

The Wolfpack finished eighth in the talented and deep ACC last fall and enter its second season under the direction of Kelly Findley, who joined NCSU following a stint at Butler.