Northern Kentucky University Athletics

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The top-ranked Northern Kentucky University men's soccer team begins the quest to defend its NCAA Division II national championship on Thursday when the Norse travel to face Findlay in the 2011 season opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

The Norse wrap up the opening weekend of play on Sunday at No. 20 Ashland.

NKU saw success in its preseason schedule, scoring seven goals in three victories against tough competition, including a 1-0 victory over Division I foe IUPUI and a 3-2 win over NAIA powerhouse Rio Grande.

Last season, NKU posted a 20-2-3 record and captured the first national championship in program history with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Rollins. The Norse also won their first Great Lakes Valley Conference championship in 15 years.

LAST TIME AGAINST FINDLAY: Michael Holder started his collegiate career with a bang, scoring two goals en route to a 4-0 NKU victory over Findlay in the 2010 season opener. Nicholas Chiarot and Steven Beattie also got on the scorecard with goals as Michael Lavric made three saves to preserve the clean sheet. NKU holds an 8-2-1 advantage in the all-time series and has won each of the last seven meetings between the teams.

LAST TIME AGAINST ASHLAND: In what has become an annual meeting between top-25 programs, NKU got a goal in the 78th minute from Paul Andrews to take a 3-2 win over Ashland. Andrews' free kick took a high bounce over the head of the Ashland goalkeeper, proving to be the difference in the contest. Beattie and Mohammad Salhieh also tallied goals in the contest. NKU holds a 5-2-2 edge all-time, but the Norse will be seeking their first win in Ashland since 1996.

FANTASTIC FRESHMAN RETURNS: Michael Holder set a record at NKU for goals scored by a freshman with 15 last season, including the game-winner in last year's national championship game against Rollins. The previous high was 12, set by Braden Bishop during his 2006 campaign.

EXPERIENCED DEFENSE: The Norse will have plenty experience among the men on the “Norse Wall.” Seniors Anthony Meyer, Kevin Donnelly and Tommy Barrick will join freshman Ian O'Reilly on the back row for the Norse this season.

PRESEASON FAVORITES: In addition to being ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II national poll, the Norse were also selected as the favorites to repeat as GLVC champions by the league's coaches. The Norse received 11 first-place votes, while Lewis and Missouri S&T rounded out the top three.