HAYWARD, Calif., -- The Cal State East Bay men's soccer team will open the 2018 season with a road matchup against the Notre Dame De Namur Argonauts on Friday afternoon, August 31 at Koret Field.
 
Mike Bielski enters his third season as head coach of the men's soccer program where he has guided the Pioneers to a 10-22-4 mark in his tenure, including an overall record of 6-10-2 in his first season in 2016, which marked the program's highest win total since 2007.
 
"The team has worked hard in preparation for tomorrow's game. Notre Dame De Namur will be a great test for us to start the 2018 season. We're hungry, excited and ready to play," expressed Bielski.
 
Cal State East Bay was chosen to finish 13th in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Preseason Coaches Poll.
 
The Pioneers will return a cluster of players from last season's team that posted a 4-12-2 record with a 1-10-1 in CCAA action. Jonathan Cuevas, Brett Fuchs, Jared Johnson along with goalkeepers Omar Coronel and Carlos Moreno all played important roles for CSUEB in 2017.
 
Jonathan Cuevas tied the team lead with three assists while adding one goal, while Brett Fuchs and Jared Johnson each chipped in two goals and an assist apiece last season. Carlos Moreno returns as the saves leader in 2017 with 51 in total, while Moreno led the Pioneers with three wins in goal through 12 games played.
 
East Bay will look to receive contributions this season from newcomers Tyson Griffin, Jacob Castro, Carter Magee, Marco Campos, Jonathan Ayala, Joe Takada, Michael Francisco, Victor Aguila and Juan Diego Escalante.
 
The NDNU Argonauts were picked to finish third in the Pacific West Conference preseason poll after posting a 13-3-2 record. Junior Moises Claudio was named Preseason PacWest Defender of the Year while senior Naia Graham earned Preseason All-PacWest honors.