Demorest, GA - As the 2015 men's soccer season approaches, Piedmont Head Coach Jimmy Stephens is confident in his team.  But that confidence comes as no surprise considering how many returners the Lions have in key spots as experience will not be short for the Green and Gold in 2015.

Eight starters from last year's 11 return boasting the most experience coming back for Coach Stephens since leading his team into the USA South Athletic Conference three years ago.  Now entering a fourth year in the league, the Lions look poised for a postseason run with so many starters coming back including senior goalkeeper KENNETH HEARN who played all but 10 minutes between the pipes last season for PC.

"When Kenny came in, he lacked confidence which most younger keepers do and he kind of beat himself up a little bit," said Stephens when asked of the development he has seen from now a four-year starter in goal. "Now that he's older and wiser, you can see him start to relax a bit more and not internalize as much.  When he makes a mistake, he bounces back much quicker, and it's huge to have a senior like that in the goal this season."

With Hearn in goal and three years of starting experience to his credit, the keeper is just one example of some of the comfort afforded to the Lions with returning, experienced players in nearly every spot.  That includes last year's freshman phenom in CHASE KANE who made his mark up top for PC scoring seven goals as a freshman and splashing onto the scene as he tied for 13th in the scoring department amongst all USA South players.

"Chase didn't get the ball a whole lot as the focus centered around our senior up top last year which is natural," said Stephens of his young but experienced forward.  "However, this year we expect the ball to move around a bit more and Chase helps keep us from becoming one dimensional, something which will help us offensively."

Should Kane continue to develop, the sophomore has the potential to be the next in a long line of top scorers for the Green and Gold as Piedmont has seen three players lead the nation in scoring since 2003, one of the best such performances individually from any program in the country.

Though Stephens returns experience throughout the midfield as well with three starters back for 2015 in MATTHEW METZGER, CASON DOWDY, and COLIN LITTLE, one of the new pieces coming in has the Head Coach excited for an added dimension to his team.  It's a welcome addition with the loss of the team's top two scorers from a year ago as youngster CRISTIAN ALEGRIA brings creativity which should help make Piedmont more dynamic going forward.

"He's (Cristian) an interesting player, we weren't quite sure how he would fit in but as long as we can get him to be consistent, I feel like he's going to play a big role for us," said Stephens of the freshman midfielder. "I feel like he's going to put us in a situation, especially offensively because he's pretty creative, more favorable on the attack than we were in a year ago."

Excitement over new additions is not limited to the midfield though as Matthew's brother NATHAN METZGER will join the squad this fall after the two spent the spring playing tennis for Piedmont College as All-Conference selections in the league.  Nathan looks to be a piece of the Lions' back four and though the newcomer from Auckland, New Zealand is a young player, Stephens was quick to point out how his background may help the young defender show wisdom beyond his age.

"Even though he's (NATHAN METZGER) a freshman for us, he doesn't really play like that," said Stephens of the new Metzger addition. "He comes from a great history where his dad and his grandfather both played for the national team, so he already has a soccer mind which makes it so easy for me.  He simplifies the game and has it figured out, and his size and strength will help us too as a lead-by-example type of kid."

The younger Metzger will join an experienced backline featuring centerbacks CHRIS KELLER and SHAWN WILLIAMS along with last year's regular starter at the right back spot in CHRIS BIBLE:  "Chris is a kid I would feel comfortable putting anywhere on the field," stated Stephens. "He's one of those outside backs who creates so much going forward, and that's a reason we've seen him so much success no matter where he's played for us.  He's just one of those kids you feel comfortable playing anywhere to be honest."

Stephens certainly will have his choice of talent in 2015 though experience seems to be the key for his team on the year, and it's something the coach hopes will show up in the team's season opener on Tuesday night at Walker Athletic Complex as the Lions host local rival Toccoa Falls for a 7:00 pm kickoff. 

"With as much as we've played preseason, I expect them to be ready, absolutely," said Stephens. "Just based on the kids we have returning with so much experience, this just seems like a group that will work well together."

Fans are being asked to "Cram the Complex" as part of a campaign spreading over social media to drive attendance up for what's sure to be an exciting home opener for the Lions.  It all starts at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1 with the first 50 fans being treated to a schedule poster giveaway. 

To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow Piedmont Soccer on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.