Fresh off its first Big South Tournament Championship in 16 years, the Radford men’s soccer program will look to advance to its third straight NCAA Tournament as the Highlanders announced their 2017 schedule in the first year of the Bryheem Hancock era.
Posting consecutive seasons of 14-4-2 records, Radford will face the test of playing 11 road matches and only six home contests. The Highlanders will play their first five matches away from the friendly confines of Cupp Stadium.
“We have put together a challenging schedule for our team and a very exciting one for our fans,” Hancock said. “Coming off the way our season ended last year, the staff along with the team can’t wait to get started with the 2017 campaign.”
Radford’s slate kicks off with three exhibition matches, two coming at home against Marshall (Aug. 15) and NCAA Division II Chowan (Aug. 21). The Highlanders will travel to Appalachian State for a Aug. 19 match.
The Highlanders open their regular season in the Palmetto State, opening the schedule at Wofford (Aug. 25) and Clemson (Aug. 27). Leading into September, Radford will continue its road stretch at Davidson (Sept. 1), Coastal Carolina (Sept. 9) and ETSU (Sept. 13).
Radford will open the home portion of its schedule with Howard on Sept. 16, playing three of its final four September matches at home. The Highlanders final non-conference match comes four days later on Sept. 20 against James Madison.
Big South play will kick off on the road against Campbell on Sept. 23. Radford’s other conference road contests include Presbyterian (Oct. 4), Winthrop (Oct. 21) and Liberty (Nov. 1).
The Highlanders will host conference opponents UNC Asheville (Sept. 30), High Point (Oct. 7), Gardner-Webb (Oct. 14) and Longwood (Oct. 25).
The final two non-conference matchups come against national powers UNC Charlotte (Oct. 10) and Virginia (Oct. 17).
The Big South tournament will begin on November 5 as the top two teams earn a bye, with the third and fourth seeds hosting quarterfinal matches. The semifinal and championship rounds will be played Nov. 8 and 12 at the highest advancing seeds.
— Courtesy of RU Athletics
