CALDWELL, N.J.- The Caldwell University men's soccer team opens its 2017 season on the road with a pair of games at the Merrimack College Tournament. The Cougars open the season on Friday as they face nationally ranked Merrimack at 7 pm. Caldwell wraps up their weekend as they take on Bentley University on Sunday at noon.
 
The Cougars under sixth year Head Coach Asgeir Ofstad looks to return to the CACC Championships after falling short in the semifinals last season. Caldwell finished the season with a record of 8-8-3 and 6-3-3 in conference play to secure the #4 seed in the tournament. The Cougars defeated Nyack College in the opening round 2-1 but came up short to Post University 4-3 in overtime in the semis.  
 
Caldwell returns two of their top three scorers from last season. Junior Joaquin Escudero (San Sebastian, Spain) earned CACC Second Team All-Conference honors last season. Escudero totaled 18 points for the Cougars on five goals and eight assists. Junior Thomas Yorston (Northamptonshire, United Kingdom) chipped in 12 points on four goals and four assists with two game-winning goals.  
 
The Cougars return a solid core of players in the middle and defense that include a pair of seniors. Patrick Grey (Auckland, New Zealand) started 16 games last season for the Cougars. Martin Djikanovic (Podgorica, Montenegro) played in all 19 games, starting 17 last season and was a key force for Caldwell. Junior Italo Cardoso (Monroe, N.J.) played in 16 games last season, while junior Kyle Hill (New Milford, N.J.) played in 19 games for Caldwell.


Caldwell returns their top keeper in senior Fritz Meister (Flaach, Switzerland). Meister started 18 games last season. He posted 87 saves along with three shutouts in 2016.
 
In the CACC preseason coaches poll, the Cougars were picked in finish in third place. Caldwell earned two first-place votes, totaling 127 points behind Wilmington University (156 points) and Post University (137).
 
The 2017 schedule features seven home games, six of which are conference matches. Caldwell opens CACC play on the road at Chestnut Hill College on Saturday, September 9. The Cougars home opener takes place on Wednesday, September 13 as they host Molloy College at 4 pm. Caldwell's first home conference game is on Friday, September 15 at 6:30 pm at the Kiwanis Oval. For the complete schedule, click here.