Photo: Courtesy of Greg Garroccio/Drexel University

Head coach: Doug Hess

2011 record: 4-5-2 (Colonial Athletic Association) / 5-10-3 (overall)

Newcomers: Fabio Machado (F), Jameson Detweiler (D), Jared Girard (M), Guido Pena (F/M)

Losses: Andrew Goldberg (F), Jonathan Volpatti (D/M)

Players to watch: Ken Tribbett (M), Pentti Pussinen (GK), Tal Bublil (D)

Home opener: Lehigh on Sept. 7

Must-see matches: Penn on Sept. 26, Delaware on Oct. 17, James Madison on Oct. 31

Dragons head coach, Doug Hess, is celebrating his third season leading the men’s soccer program at Drexel. In 2011, Hess’ squad finished eighth in their conference with an overall record of 5-10-3. The Dragons recorded wins last season over Temple, Towson, Delaware, Virginia Commonwealth and James Madison.

Drexel held on to most of their squad at the end of 2011 with only 2 players leaving the team. Among the returners is key midfielder, Ken Tribbett, who won the team’s Goal of the Year award. Tribbett was named to the 2nd team All-CAA and the Philly Soccer 6 All-Star team. Returning defender, Tal Bublil, was also honored with a spot on the Philly Soccer 6 All-Star team. Goalkeeper, Pentti Pussinen, returns after being named to the 3rd team All-CAA at the end of last season.

The Dragons started the season on Aug. 25 at La Salle with a 3-2 loss in overtime. They’ll spend the Labor Day weekend in Colorado facing Denver on Aug 31. and Air Force on Sept. 2nd. Hess’ squad returns to Philly for their home opener against Lehigh on Sept. 7. They head back on the road to face Lafayette on Sept. 12 and Virginia on Sept 18.

Drexel starts CAA conference play on Sept. 22 at home against Old Dominion. They stay local to play one non-conference match against local rival, Penn, on Sept. 26. Conference play resumes on the road at William & Mary on Sept. 28.

The Dragons start October with home matches against Northeastern on Oct. 3 and UNCW on Oct. 6. They head south to visit George Mason on Oct. 10 and Towson on Oct. 13. Drexel returns home for one match against Delaware on Oct. 17 before visiting Georgia State on Oct. 20 and Hofstra on Oct. 24. The Dragons finish the regular season at home against James Madison on Oct. 31.