MORAGA, Calif. -- (Watch Video) -- Saint Mary's men's soccer coach Adam Cooper welcomed a strong blend of returning veterans and talented newcomers to campus as the Gaels begin their quest for a championship season with their first practice of the fall season.

A total of 29 players returned to campus yesterday for a variety of required administrative tasks that traditionally signal the official start to the new season.  The team met athletic department officials, listened to a motivational welcome speech and update by Director of Athletic Mark Orr, filled out NCAA and institutional documents and underwent basic baseline physical testing.  

The team also enjoyed receiving this year's increased allotment of equipment and apparel that included gear provided through the department's new multi-year agreement with Under Armour.

Today, the team conducted its first two training sessions of the preseason.  The sessions consisted of technical drills, highly competitive 7v7 and full field games and some fitness work.  The team will undergo its annual fitness testing session tomorrow morning.

Saint Mary's returns eight starters and 15 letterwinners from last year's team that set a program best for overall and West Coast Conference victories in a season with a 12-5-2 mark and a 5-2-0 record in league play.  This year's team includes a total of 18 veteran players and 11 newcomers.

The team opens its regular season schedule on August 28 with a 4:30 p.m. (Pacific) contest at traditional Atlantic Coast Conference contender Duke University in the John Rennie Nike Invitational.  After a neutral site game against Elon in Durham the Gaels return to Moraga for their home opener on Sept. 4 against La Salle.

Cooper, who enters his 10^th season as the head coach of the Gaels, has compiled a 76-67-34 overall record at Saint Mary’s.  His .525 winning percentage is the best in program history and he is the only coach to lead the Gaels to a league title and the NCAA Tournament.

Since 2009, Saint Mary’s owns a .500 or better record against five of its seven WCC opponents, including all three of its Northern California league rivals.  The Gaels advanced to the 2009 and 2011 NCAA Tournaments, the second-most in the league in the last six seasons.

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For up-to-date news, photos, videos and other features you can follow Saint Mary’s College varsity athletic teams on Twitter (@SMCGaels), Instagram (@SMCGaels)  and Facebook (Facebook.com/SMCGaels). You can also watch great video on-demand highlights and features as well as most Gaels sporting events live via GaelVision on SMCGaels.com.  

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