PINEVILLE, La. – It will be the dawn of a new era Thursday night when the Louisiana College men's soccer team takes the field for the first time.

A new coach and almost entirely new cast of players will debut Thursday night at 7 p.m. with a home match against Millsaps.

There is no cost to attend the game but fans unable to be in Pineville will, for the first time, have the benefit of live updates via the official Louisiana College athletics Twitter page (@LaColAthletics).

The excitement is palpable among Coach Prince Borde and his 29 players.

“The guys are all jelling really well, on and off the field,” Borde said. “That was important. We have a combination of players from all over. Some guys have played at a higher level, other have not. What I am seeing right now is that the more experienced players, those who have played at a higher level in the past, are really embracing those who are new to college soccer. Everyone has a desire to be here and to help the program.”

LC's 2011 men's soccer team boasts players have roots in Brazil, South Korea, Haiti, Germany and virtually all points in the Gulf South.

And while just nine players return from the 2010 campaign, one in which the Wildcats went 0-17, 13 players are transfer students larger schools and junior colleges.

“In the beginning it was rough,” sophomore midfielder Vinny Torres, a transfer from Florida Atlantic, said, “but when you have good players, things usually just click, especially when you're under good supervision. We're all excited about the chance to play together as a team. We think we have made some great strides in a short period of time. We definitely don't expect any more 0-17 seasons. Those are done for a while.”

Torres added that much credit was due Borde for aiding in the development of the team in a short period of time.

“We've only been able to practice for a few weeks,” Torres said. “Prince has worked wonders in a matter of days. He's doing an amazing job coaching.”

Borde said that he had high hopes for his team this year but was focused on laying the foundations of success at this early point in the season.”

“Right now, I'm harping on work ethic and confidence,” Borde said. “Almost everybody is new, and still a little bit fidgety. What I'm wanting from them is to conquer their nerves and respond well when adversity happens. That will probably be the key.”

According to Torres, the team was developing the very traits Borde desires.

“Everybody's attitudes have been real positive,” Torres said. “We're bonding well and becoming friends. Game-wise, we're pretty much on point. Without a doubt, we have the potential to score goals and win some games.”

The Wildcats will follow their season opener with a second home game on Saturday at 3 p.m., this time playing host to NAIA opponent Spring Hill of Mobile, Ala.