UMBC's era in the America East Conference (AEC) will be kicked off by the men's soccer team, as they host the adidas Kick-Off Classic on Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31 at UMBC Soccer Stadium. After Robert Morris takes on Lafayette at 2 p.m., the Retrievers entertain Colgate at 4:30 p.m. UMBC faces Lafayette in the tournament's final game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The women's soccer team will have the distinction of playing the first AEC game, as they host Hartford on Wednesday, September 10. Michelle Salmon's team begins its season on Saturday, August 30, when they host Delaware State at 1 p.m. Field hockey and volleyball also begin play on that weekend. Kristy Hartman's field hockey squad entertains non-league foe Colgate on Saturday, August 30 at noon, while Head Coach Greg Giovannazzi makes his debut with the volleyball team at the Jacksonsville Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Pete Caringi's men's soccer squad returns nine staters from last year's 11-6-3 team, including leading scorer Derek McElligott (12 goals) and the entire starting defensive unit. But it will be a difficult road for the Retrievers, as they may face as many as three 2002 NCAA qualifiers (George Washington, Old Dominion, and possibly, Loyola) in a four-game span and end the month by taking on AEC foe, Northeastern, a team ranked in the top 30 in the nation by College Soccer News.

For more information on the upcoming season visit www.umbcretrievers.com.