East Peoria, IL - Although a new face and several newcomers will lead the way for the ICC men's soccer team in the 2022 season, the high expectations of the program remain the same for the Cougars.  First year head coach Gabe Carreno has ICC primed and ready for another big year, relying on the five returning veterans to lead the way and looking to freshmen to produce in key roles for another successful season.   
 
"The team has adapted quite well to the philosophical expectations," Carreno said. "We're making a lot of progress with regards to our overall fitness and the cohesiveness within our play. We have a very experienced back line as we have two players from NCAA DI programs in Jackson Galloway (Jacksonville) and Lucas Fontana (Bradley) as well as two returners in Luca Saewe and Eneko Casas."

"Having a solid defense allows for our attack to be more creative and fluid without much restraint in transition," Carreno continued. "We feel comfortable with our elements of play as we can look to counter with speed when needed or build up through channels to create spaces."

ICC is ranked #18 in the pre-season NJCAA DI poll and will be tested out of the gates as they open their season on Friday, August 19 at #1 Iowa Western in Council Bluffs, IA at 1:00 pm.  They will also play on Saturday, August 20 against #6 Iowa Lakes at 3:30 pm, which will be in Council Bluffs as well. 

The Cougars' first home action will come on Thursday, August 25 as they host Carl Sandburg at 2pm at CougarPlex Field.

For a more in depth look at the team, follow them on their Instagram account at iccmsoc.