The Troy University(w) soccer program and head coach Chris Bentley released the squad's 2012 schedule on Friday as the Trojans prepare for a 10-game home slate that begins in August.

“We are pretty excited about the level of competition we have on the schedule this season,” said Bentley.  “It's nice to have 10 home games, which is always a struggle to do, but we've been able to do it for a few seasons now.”

For the second straight season the Trojans open with Alabama State, this time at the Troy Track/Soccer Complex, as Troy defeated the Hornets, 5-0, on the road to open the 2011 campaign.

Troy's first marquee home match comes on Wednesday, August 22, when the Ole Miss comes to town.  In their only match against the SEC last season, Troy battle Mississippi State to a 1-1 draw in Starkville, Miss., in mid-September.

The Trojans continue their non-conference home schedule as they host the Trojan Classic on Friday, August 31 and Sunday, September 2.  Louisiana Tech, Stetson and Jacksonville State will visit for the third annual event that features four games at the Troy Track/Soccer Complex.

Troy will take on Louisiana Tech on Friday and Stetson on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m., respectively.  Other games in the tournament will feature Stetson taking on Jacksonville State on Friday and the Gamecocks playing Louisiana Tech on Sunday.

“The Trojan Classic gives us chance to showcase our facility and have good teams come in and compete.  Overall, it's a good event for community,” Bentley said.

The Trojans will travel to UNC-Wilmington the following weekend for a tournament before returning home to take on Mercer on September 16 in their final non-conference game.

Troy opens Sun Belt play the following weekend as Florida Atlantic visits the Trojans on Friday, September 21 and defending Sun Belt Tournament champion FIU comes to town on Sunday, September 23.

“Ultimately our non-conference schedule prepares us for a tough Sun Belt schedule.  We have to fight day in and day out and there are no days off in our league,” Bentley said.

Troy follows that by visiting defending regular season champion North Texas the following weekend before coming home on October 5 and October 7 to host Arkansas State and UALR, respectively.

Troy's final home game will come on Thursday, October 18 as Louisiana-Lafayette visits Troy for the second straight season.  The Trojans close the regular season with road matches at ULM and South Alabama.

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