GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) --- The Green Bay men's soccer team is ready to open the regular season on Friday, welcoming Valparaiso for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Aldo Santaga Stadium.
 
The Phoenix will also be welcoming back the historic 2009 team for a ring ceremony in recognition of their Horizon League Tournament Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. The ceremony will take place at halftime of Friday's game.

Green Bay will conclude the opening weekend of the regulars season at home as well, hosting Western Illinois on Sunday at 12 p.m.
 
The Phoenix impressed in its two-game exhibition season and will certainly look to carry its momentum into the regular season. The league recently released its preseason poll, where Green Bay was slated to finished third in the conference. The league's preseason favorite was Wright State followed by UIC.
 
Game Information: Friday vs Valparaiso - 7 p.m. (CT) // Sunday vs Western Illinois - 12 p.m. (CT)
 
Most Recently for the Phoenix: Wins over Northwestern (W, 2-0) and Cardinal Stritch (W, 3-1) have the Phoenix playing with confidence. GB has welcomed 11 newcomers to its roster for the 2019 season, all of which have the ability to make an immediate impact.
 
First-team all-league honoree Andre Baires returns from last year's team, along with all-freshman team member Joey Bourgeois. Head coach Jeremy Bonomo is in his fifth season at the helm of the program.
 
Scouting the Crusaders: Valparaiso is picked to finish sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference's preseason poll, with Missouri State taking the top spot. A large senior class in 2018 has led to a team that features more newcomers (15) than returnees (13) for the Crusaders. Green Bay has dominated the series to date, owning a 14-3-2 all-time record against the former league foe.
 
Scouting the Leathernecks: WIU won both of its exhibition matches, claiming victories over Illinois-Springfield (W, 1-0) and Quincy (W, 2-1). The Phoenix owns the advantage in the all-time series, boasting a record of 18-12-3 when taking the pitch with the Leathernecks.
 
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