LAFAYETTE, La. – The Ragin' Cajuns soccer team prepares to open up the 2012 season this Sunday, Aug. 19 against in state rival McNeese State at 1:00 p.m. at Cowgirl Field in Lake Charles, La.

Louisiana enters its eighth season under the direction of head coach Scot Wieland, who discussed thoughts on the upcoming season and Sunday's game with www.ragincajuns.com.

UL fell to McNeese last season 2-0 in Lafayette but leads the overall series between the two programs 4-2-3. The last time the Cajuns traveled to Lake Charles was back in 2010, where they defeated MSU, 1-0.

The game on Sunday will kick off the 2012-13 athletic year for the University of Louisiana.

The Cajuns feature a squad with eight seniors, including team captains Amanda Moorefield and Gayla Foster.

UL also returns 2011 second team All-Sun Belt Conference selection sophomore Grace Howell-Harries, while also introducing a crop of 15 newcomers, including 14 freshmen and transfer Lacey Leitz.

Following Sunday's contest, Louisiana will return to Lafayette where they prepare to host their first of nine home games this season on Friday, Aug. 24 against Prairie View A&M at 7:00 p.m. at the Ragin' Cajuns Track/Soccer Facility.