DAHLONEGA | The 2014 University of North Georgia men's soccer team is prepared to kick off the 2014-15 athletic year tonight (Thursday) with a 6:00 p.m. match with visiting Barry University at the UNG Soccer Complex.  The contest will be the first in the newly remodeled venue that features a FieldTurf playing surface, new stadium bleachers and updated landscaping and branding.

The Nighthawks are under the direction of eighth-year head coach Patrice Parris and return a solid mix of players from last year's 3-14-2 team that is paired with fresh local faces as well as new international players.

"We are looking forward to playing in the beautiful new stadium as nothing can compare to the boys' professional new environment," stated Parris.  "We are also excited about facing a first class opponent in Barry University out of the Sunshine State Conference as they are a very high caliber side to have opposite us on opening night."

It is the second consecutive season-opener between the Buccaneers and Nighthawks with UNG posting a 1-0 overtime win in Miami Shores last season.  Tonight's match will be the fourth meeting between the two schools in a series that dates back to 2010 with the overall slate set at an even 1-1-1 per side. 

Kick off is set for 6:00 and will be preceded by UNG president Dr. Bonita Jacobs accepting the #ALSIceBucket Challenge at the new stadium.  Fans can follow all the action through Nighthawk Vision's live video and statistics feed and are encouraged to interact during the game using #HawkEm.  One fan's social media interaction will be used in the post-game recap at UNGAthletics.com.