BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The NCC men's soccer team will open the regular season on Thursday August 30th when they host Delaware County Community College in a Region XIX / EPAC contest.

The Spartans, under first year head coach Joe Heitczman, are looking to reverse their fortunes from the 2011 and season and return to the Region XIX tournament.  "I think we are going to be competitive," quipped Heitczman, "obviously we are playing some tremendous competition, so we will need to come ready to play each day, but I like what I have seen so far.  I think if we stay healthy and catch a few breaks, we could be in contention for a playoff spot."

Northampton has six returners, led by 2010 All-Region performer Zach Wasilick, who missed the 2011 season with a knee injury.  "Zach is a leader," remarked Heitczman, "he is eager to get back on the field after missing all of last season ... I am really looking to him to be a catalyst on the defensive side."

NCC has 17 regular season games, including 12 in the newly formed Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC).