HANOVER, Ind. – The Panther men's soccer team is set to open the 2021 season with a visit from Earlham on Tuesday and a trip to Anderson on Saturday.
 
HCAC PRESEASON POLL: The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference announced the 2021 Men's Soccer preseason poll with Hanover being picked second with 73 points. Rose-Hulman narrowly edged the Panthers with 76 points in the vote.
 
STRONG OFFENSE: The Panther attack is littered with a veteran squad, led by junior Luke Eppler (Evansville, Ind.). Eppler netted a team-best nine goals last season with 27 shots on goal. Teammate, senior Josh Hughes (Lafayette, La.) also demonstrated great success as he posted a team-high 23 points with seven goals and nine assists. As a unit, Hanover tallied 37 total goals with 25 assists for 99 points.
 
HCAC CHAMPS: The 2020 season saw Hanover win the HCAC title and advance to the NCAA Tournament. The Panthers won the trophy in exciting fashion as they defeated Rose-Hulman in penalty kicks after delivering the game tying blow with less than a minute remaining in the contest. 
 
AGAINST THE QUAKERS: The Blue and Red currently hold a seven-game win streak over the Quakers dating back to the 2013 season. Last year, Hanover captured the 2-0 victory at home firing off a game-high 22 shots.
 
MATCHING UP WITH ANDERSON: The Panthers enter the matchup winners of five straight against the Ravens. Their last loss came on the road in 2012 by way of 1-0 decision.