For the fifth consecutive year Lee soccer will team with the local Olive Garden restaurant in hosting the Lee Olive Garden Invitational. Coach Paul Furey will send his team against the University of Illinois Springfield for the first time in Lee's men's soccer history on Thursday at 7 p.m. and come back against Lynn University (Fla.) club on Saturday at 7. Auburn Montgomery will face Lynn on Thursday at 4:30 and Illinois Springfield on Saturday at 4:30.
 
Lynn has claimed a pair of NCAA Division II National Championships and holds a 2-0 record against the Flames. Illinois Springfield, a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference will be under the direction of new coach Adam Hall. Last season the Prairie Stars finished 4-12-2 while Lee posted an 11-5-2 mark. Lynn, a member of the Sunshine State Conference (SSC) finished at 9-4-2.
 
Coach Furey's comments:
"Things were very encouraging during our preseason. Our defense is coming together nicely. The team's dynamic is very positive." 
 
Good injury report
"Injuries almost always play a big part in a season for all teams. I feel good about our depth chart to deal with it  However we hope to have just about everyone good to go this weekend."
 
Pleased with newcomers
"Our newcomers have really stepped up and given us some quality play. Jeremy (Bonyaa) has been a big addition as well as Samir and Samaan (Williams) and Tanner (Carter)."
 
Focus is on Illinois Springfield
"(Illinois) Springfield had a strong tradition in the NAIA before moving to D2. They had a very good preseason. With a new coach and some new personnel they should be a tough opening-day challenge."
 
Tough pre-conference schedule
"We want to be recognized at the national level and to do that you have to play the best. Two of our first three matches are top 25 teams. That's a very tough early schedule but it will be a great indicator of where we are in contrast to where we want to be."
 
Thanks to Olive Garden
"Once again we are grateful to Olive Garden and John McKenzie (store manager) for partnering with the Lee Soccer program. They have been a friend since arriving in Cleveland five years ago and we look forward to continuing to work them."