DECATUR —     With the start of soccer season just a few days away, East Central Community College coach Kenneth Thompson said he is “cautiously optimistic” that the 2012 campaign will be a successful one for both the men and women.

     The Warriors begin season action Thursday by hosting Wallace State at 5 p.m. on the Decatur campus. Both EC squads will battle Pearl River Community College on Saturday. Game times are 3 and 5 p.m. on the EC pitch.

    “We have set high expectations of ourselves and with both groups,” said Thompson, who has led the Warriors since 1999 and started the women’s program in 2005. “The men expect to compete strongly in the MACJC North Division and the women look to do the same…but the women will have to work a little bit harder as they don’t have as deep a team as the men.”

    Thompson said part of his optimism is the result of a successful recruiting season. Due to recent changes in recruiting guidelines, there are no more district lines and players can be recruited from throughput the state.

    “Recruiting went well this year,” said Thompson. “A lot of hours were spent evaluating talent for both squads, and I feel that we were able to acquire some really good players to represent us in 2012.”

    Thompson said the men’s team has “quality depth” for the first time in a long time.

    “We may be able to go close to two-deep in all positions and not have any really noticeable drop off,” he added.

    On the women’s side, Thompson said he should be able to field a team “that will compete at a much higher level this year.” He noted several freshmen played in state championship matches last year for their high schools in their respective divisions.

    Thompson said the top men’s team returnees include 2011 MACJC All-State keeper Jared Canoy and midfielder McGee Ledbetter.

     “Jared looks to have another banner year between the sticks,” said Thompson.

    McGee was the leading scorer in 2011 and “looks to add to his total this year.”

    The ECCC women return All-Region 23 selection Kelsey Tadlock of Newton County.

    “Kelsey was the leading scorer in the MACJC North Division last season and finished third in the state. She was the only freshman in the state selected to the All-Region 23 Team.”

    Thompson had praise for several freshmen members of both squads.

    “The men have numerous players with outstanding soccer credentials joining the squad this year,” he stated. He mentioned twins Will and Russ Thompson, both forwards, and Jesse Vaughn and Jordan Walker, both defenders. “All of these players are from Newton County and have extensive soccer playing careers.”

    Other top newcomers include defender Forest Muller, forward Clint McGraw and midfielder Taylor Potter.

     “Each of these players will be asked to contribute heavily to the team this season,” said Thompson.

    Thompson noted the women “have several outstanding players” joining the squad this year, including MAC All-State keeper Alana Turner, and defender Paige Gower of State Class 1-2-3A runner-up Clarkdale. Another incoming freshman expected to “contribute heavily” is midfielder Morgan Luke of Newton County.

    Thompson said the men’s team can best be described as a “technically sound” team “with an upbeat personality.” He added the Warriors “have also bonded quickly, which is important for success on the field.”

    “Committed to work for their goals” best describes the women’s squad, said Thompson. “The women have bonded quickly as well.”

    Fans attending this year matches will be treated “to an attractive attacking style of soccer,” Thompson said.

    “Matches should be heavily contested from start to finish with a never-say-die attitude,” he stated. “The women will present a more methodical style of soccer that will allow them to conserve energy for the final push in matches when many games are won.”

     In addition to being competitive on the pitch, Thompson expects both teams to do well academically, as is the trait of many of his teams. The 2011 women’s team was named NJCAA Women’s Soccer Academic Team of the Year, the third such honor for the program in its seven-year history.

    “This year’s group has no reason to fall off the pace set by former teams, as both teams are loaded with not only good soccer players but outstanding students as well,” Thompson said.