After being sidelined last season, men's soccer is back at Oakwood University.

Not only is men's soccer back, but a long time coach is also back in town to run the show.

Frank Davies, who started Alabama A&M's women's program in the late 1990s, has returned after a three-year stint at Mississippi Valley State University, to lead the Ambassadors' men's team.

"I'm excited to be back," Davies said. "We've got a really young team, but I think we're going to surprise some people. The guys have responded extremely well in our short time together. The outlook is very positive."

Davies and Oakwood open the season today at Fisk University in Nashville at 3 p.m. at the Harpeth Soccer Complex.

The Bulldogs are 0-2 on the season and have been outscored 9-2 in their two losses. Freed-Hardeman downed Fisk 5-1 and Campbellsville-Harrodsburg came away with a 4-1 victory.

Davies said three freshmen have been standouts during preseason practice.

Striker Shima Sende, goalkeeper Gaston Prophete and midfielder Akio Lopez have been among the Ambassadors' better players thus far.

"Sende is a very powerful player," Davies said. "Lopez is a very intelligent player. With him and Sende up front, we could do very well."

Prophete, Davies said, "has a bright future ahead of him. He has a chance to be special."


After today's game, Oakwood visits Tennessee Southern Sunday in Pulaski, Tenn.