Hemmingway Field has waited long enough. It is fall and that means the Park men and women’s soccer teams are getting ready to breathe life into a new season. After mixed results last season, both programs are looking to improve their records this year.\

Men’s Soccer Team

The men’s team finished last season in 5th place with a record of six wins, 10 loses and one tie. This was the first year the men’s team did not make finals play – losing in the first round of the AMC tournament against William Woods University.

The team is looking to make their way back to the finals this year with returners as well as six new players, according to Efrem Shimlis, men’s soccer coach.

“We have about 15 returning players and five seniors looking forward to the season and push to the finals again,” he said. “Right now we’re trying to focus on winning more games than last year.”

This is Coach Shimlis’ 13th year coaching the men’s team. The team will play its home opener at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Julian Field against Baker University.

Women’s Soccer Team

After a winning 2012 season, the women’s soccer team is looking toward another impressive year. Last season, the women ended as conference champions with 12 wins and seven losses, ending their run in the first round of the NAIA national tournament.

The team did not return 70 percent of their top scorers from last season. Despite this deficit, coaches plan to rebuild a competitive team with new and returning players.

“There will some adjustments made from the returners to the new players too because we’re going to have to go with our strengths,” said Ken Hefner, women’s soccer coach.

“We will fit out the best program and that’s what the team will be.”

This will be Coach Hefner’s 9th year coaching the women’s team. The team will open its season with a four game home stand at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Julian Field against Benedictine College.