DAHLONEGA - Coming off of a successful preseason training camp, the University of North Georgia men's soccer team is set to start the 2017 season on the road at Southern Wesleyan Thursday night.

"Right off the bat, we are looking to compete," said head men's soccer coach Pat Parris in an interview with the Nighthawk Sports Network. "I think we are going to be a joy to watch Thursday night."

The Nighthawks return 15 players from the 2016 squad that finished with 10 wins, the highest win total in 11 years, and a trip to the Peach Belt Conference tournament semifinals. UNG was picked to finish in a tie for third place in the conference this season in the coaches' preseason poll released earlier this month.

UNG is 4-2-2 when facing Southern Wesleyan all-time, but the two teams have played to draws in each of the last two contests. Most recently in 2011, the two sides played to a 1-1 draw at Southern Wesleyan. The Nighthawks will also look to win their first season opener since 2013 when UNG defeated Barry, 1-0.

Kick off for Thursday night's game against the Warriors is set for 7 p.m. in Central, S.C.