HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Kicking off their 2011 seasons, the University of Alabama in Huntsville soccer teams will host a doubleheader on Thursday, Sept. 1. The men will host Talladega at 2 p.m. followed by the women taking on Delta State at 4:30 p.m.

The ladies' contest with Delta State is a non-conference affair.

Head Coach Mike Mitchell returns three starters to his men's team, including 2011 Gulf South Conference Preseason All-GSC Team selection Jarrod Muggleton. The senior defender led the team in scoring a season ago as he collected six goals.

Headlining the group of Charger newcomers are transfer keeper Kel Markert and freshmen Kyle Simmons and Mitch Wilson. Simmons and Wilson are local products, respectively hailing from Madison High School and Grissom High school.

Offensive output was lacking a season ago for the Chargers, but Talladega (0-4) presents a possible opportunity to start things off positively this year. The Tornadoes have struggled mightily early this season as the NAIA member has allowed a whopping 40 goals through four contests while not yet recording a tally for themselves.

The Lady Chargers return five starters from last year's team as Mitchell has sprinkled in new talent with his veterans, and three of those fresh faces were chosen as top newcomers in the GSC. Looking to make an impact right away in goal is Division I transfer Iris Gunnardottir, and she was joined on the GSC list by defender Megan Dancy and midfielder Marie Blunt.

In preseason voting by the GSC head coaches, UAH was predicted to finish fourth in the conference while the Lady Statesmen were predicted to finish seventh. The Lady Chargers have won the previous two meetings between the squads, and the teams will play their conference matchup in Cleveland, Miss., later in the season on Oct. 14.