BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Cal State Bakersfield men’s soccer team is coming off a season of only five wins and they are entering the 2019 season with a young team.

That doesn't mean the ‘Runners are shying away from strong schedules as they'll be headed to North Carolina to open the season up against Elon and the 10th ranked team in the nation, Duke.

A reason, Head Coach Richie Grant believes players choose to come to CSU Bakersfield.

“They chose our program because of the tough schedule. In 2020 we move into the Big West so there's just not many easy opponents for us but we're super excited this year to take the team to North Carolina to play Duke and Elon, it's a great trip for the players and high quality opponents,” Grant said.

And, players come from all across the world to play under Grant. Nine total nationalities are featured on the roster this season.

From America to Japan to Ireland, it creates a unique melting pot here in Bakersfield.

Which adds some excitement to the team especially hearing all the different accents.

“It's something that you don't really hear here so it's just something fun, you get used to it (laughs),” freshman midfielder Alexis Rivas said.

“Back home where I'm from everybody seems the same then you come out here there are so many different cultures and stuff, but i think it's interesting, it makes it fun,” freshman midfielder Eamon Mclaughlin said.

Alexis is from Bakersfield while Eamon is from Northern Ireland, perfect examples of the differences represented on the team.

These guys will hit the field for the regular season beginning on August 30 against Elon.