BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – The Gardner-Webb men's soccer team began its fourth day of practice on Friday morning at 9:15 a.m.

The Bulldogs, coming off their first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference title in 2006, advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championships a season ago.

Despite losing its most heralded goalkeeper, along with other departures due to graduation, head coach Tony Setzer has his squad ready to defend it's A-Sun title during the last year of competition in the league.

"This year, we have as much talent as I've ever seen here," Setzer said. "We are a little young, but I like the squad and their work ethic. Last year we didn't start out well, but we put the pieces together and had things clicking by the start of the conference schedule. This year, it may take a little while for everyone to learn the system, but we hope to hit the ground running by the start of the A-Sun matches.

"The technical level of the team is high. Losing Tyler Kettering in goal was a question mark, but Dane Geraci seems to be pretty well prepared and should be starting opening day."

Even with the loss of some key components from last year's team, a few of the Bulldogs' newcomers could earn starting spots because of their solid play and ability. One of those is Sheldon Gordon, who could start at the center back position, bringing with him a tough presence. Gordon is also good in the air.

Overall, the program's success last year has caused expectations outside of Gardner-Webb to soar to new heights.

"The expectations of our program by others have risen," Setzer said. "We are training to match their expectations, along with ours."

With players stepping up to become leaders during preseason such as Jordan Traylor and Matt Mallozzi, the Bulldogs seem ready to defend their title.

"Based on my 19 years of coaching, we are further along in the preseason than any team I've ever coached. Overall, the quality of the program has risen to a new level. We have accomplished more in these four days than we did all of last preseason."

GWU will have an exhibition match at Appalachian State on Aug. 25 before opening its regular season slate at High Point on Aug. 31. The Bulldogs' first home match is slated for Sept. 5 against Liberty at 7 p.m.