Men's soccer team hosts Hartford Athletic Friday night

The Eastern Florida State College men's soccer team will be back at Titan Soccer Complex Friday night for an exhibition match with Hartford Athletic.

The Titans, who finished third in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament in the fall, have been working out in the spring season and is hosting Hartford Athletic who have been working out at Titan Soccer Complex preparing for their first season in the United Soccer League.

"It has been a fantastic week for our program with the presence of Hartford Athletic here on campus completing their preseason training. Our players and staff have had the opportunity to watch and learn from some of the top players and coaches in the USL," Eastern Florida State College men's soccer coach Oliver Twelvetrees said. "Both of their preseason games here at Titan Soccer Complex against Miami FC and Orlando City B have produced high quality action that have provided our soccer programs here many great teaching moments. The majority of my players aspire to compete at the professional so now having the chance to compete on Friday night at home against top professional opposition is very exciting."

The Titans made it to the national tournament semifinals for the third time in six seasons and the 15 wins was tied for the program's best.

"We look forward to competing in the game, working hard together to deny time and space for Hartford and trying to create some goal scoring chances for ourselves," Twelvetrees said. "We appreciate very much the opportunity to play against professional teams in the spring season for our sixth straight year.  I would like to thank Coach Jimmy Nielsen, his staff and our new friends at Hartford Athletic for the access to his program this week and the opportunity to compete on Friday night. "

Friday night's game kicks off at 7 p.m. and is the second of four games for the Titans but only home match of the spring. Admission is free to Friday night's game.