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By Andy Dawson, Samford Athletic Communications

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- In the heart of SEC country, the assumption is that only the best of the best get out alive. That only teams with historic traditions of excellence and trophies to prove it can compete and win, but Samford soccer is challenging that very idea and notion.
 
In the past three years, Samford has played seven matches versus Southeastern Conference opponents. In these contests, Samford boasts a 5-2 record.
 
"You have to play good teams to be able to be good when it really matters," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "I think any time you play quality teams it prepares you for future tough games. And certainly, you know we've garnered the respect of the league by being preseason ranked number one. So we don't really ever get a game off."

 

Yelton is in the midst of his 14th season as head coach Samford University and has experienced success from the beginning. Yelton came to Samford in 2002 after positions at Parkview High School, Oglethorpe University and serving as an assistant at UAB.
 
Since 2002, Yelton's Bulldogs have knocked off SEC opponents Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Mississippi State; Conference USA foes Memphis, UAB and Southern Miss, as well as Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) powerhouses NC State and Wake Forest.
 
This weekend, Samford (4-2-0) will play host to another ACC foe in No. 15-ranked Duke (4-1-1) on Friday at 7 p.m. (CDT), as well as Georgia on Sunday at 6 p.m. Both matches will be held at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium where admission is FREE.
 
These tough non-conference matches have proven to be fruitful throughout the years for Samford. Last year, the Bulldogs won the regular season in the SoCon, and this year, have the target on their back as preseason number one.
 
One of the reasons that Samford has been able to compete with the high-caliber schools is because of the consistent top-notch level of recruits and students that Yelton brings into the program. During the recruitment process, Yelton places an emphasis on the type of person he is recruiting, not just the type of player.
 
"He's a great coach," said junior forward Malcanisha Kelley, who is currently ranked fifth in the nation with six goals this season. "He cares more about you as a person than as a player."

 

Kelley is one of the highly talented players that Yelton has on the roster this season. The Bulldogs' native of Childersburg has received a number of honors and accolades since her freshman year at Samford.
 
Kelley has received all-conference honors, named Southern Conference Player of the Week and a National Primetime Performer. Just over a week ago, she proved to be one of only 11 players in the country to receive the prestigious honor of College Soccer 360 National Primetime Performer.  
 
As exciting as the national recognition is for Kelley, her and the team have one goal and focus in mind. Their goal is winning the SoCon and getting to the NCAA Tournament.
 
"It motivates me to try harder," said Kelley. "We want to finish the season out and get the big wins. Figure out the kinks in our offense and defense. Also stay on top in conference play and finish out as regular-season champs as last year. We also want to win the conference tournament and make the first round of the NCAA Tournament."
 
With goals of winning a conference championship and making it to the NCAA Tournament, the strength of schedule that Samford has makes sense. Two matchups against both SEC and ACC opponents prior to the SoCon schedule should have the Bulldogs set up for success this year.
 
Already, the Bulldogs have played at home versus Wake Forest where they took down the ACC foe with a score of 2-1. Kelley netted one of the two Samford goals on their way to an impressive victory.
 
In their next match, the Bulldogs traveled to The Plains and squared off against Auburn University. Samford had won the previous two meetings between the teams, but the 11^th-ranked Tigers got the best of the Bulldogs this year winning by a score of 2-0.
 
Auburn's defense was able to hold off the strong Bulldog attack. The Tigers haven't allowed a single goal this season. Through six matches, Auburn has outscored its opponents by a total of 11-0.
 
Samford wasn't down long though as they bounced back two days later to beat Coastal Carolina by a score of 2-1. The Bulldogs have spent this week preparing for their huge matchups against Duke (Friday at 7 p.m.) and Georgia (Sunday at 6 p.m.).
 
"Our first goal is to win them," said Yelton. "I have tremendous respect for both of these coaches. They're two of my best friends in the business. I always have the same goal for our players, and that is that we go out and play to the best of our abilities and put in the right effort."
 
The Blue Devils come into Friday's match with an impressive record of 4-1-1 and as the No. 15-ranked team in the nation. Despite the record, the Bulldogs are focused and ready for the game against Duke. Samford is going about their same practice routine treating it like business as usual.
 
"We just need to stay focused and work hard in practice," said Kelley. "To make sure we have it all together when we play Friday. I think focus is a big thing. We know how to cut it on and off, so as long as we stay focused we'll be fine."
 
Being the SoCon favorite, the Bulldogs have to show up ready to play for each and every game, therefore taking things one game at a time and never overlooking any game or opponent.

 

To add some special significance to Friday's home match against Duke, it is also Samford's annual "Kickin' It For Kids With Cancer" game. The contest is in support of the Austin Hatcher Foundation.
 
The Austin Hatcher Foundation, founded by Samford alum Amy Jo Osborn and her husband Jim, provides no-cost support services to pediatric cancer patients and their families.
 
"With us playing Duke, I'm expecting the place to be packed," said Yelton. "I hope that we don't lose sight of the fact that there are a lot of people who suffer with cancer, and that we all do our part to help out those who we can."
 
Before the weekend is over, the Bulldogs will also be matched up on the pitch against the Bulldogs of Georgia. Georgia will be looking to turn their season around after a slow start up to this point.
 
Samford soccer is proving that it is not scared to play any team who is willing to lace up the cleats and get on the pitch with them. With the goal and mindset of making the NCAA Tournament, the Bulldogs are ready to play the best, so that they can be the best.

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