Opening Night under the Lights
On August 28 at 6:00 PM the Fighting Camels will host College of Charleston in the first CAA matchup of the 2024‑25 season. The evening will mark the Camels' third straight home appearance and their first chance to earn points after opening the year with two defeats.
Campbell University entered the contest looking to snap a two‑game losing streak that included narrow losses to Cal Baptist and Seton Hall. The team’s coaching staff, led by new head coach Ricky Davey, has emphasized tightening up defensive organization while leveraging the attacking talent already on the roster.
Sophomores Kana Dube and Jayco Castro found the back of the net in the early stages of the season, giving the Camels a glimpse of offensive spark. Their contributions have been complemented by Augustus Squillace, who logged two assists in the recent match against Seton Hall and continues to create chances from midfield.
College of Charleston arrives with momentum of its own, having played three consecutive home games that produced a draw with Davidson and a victory over Florida Gulf Coast. The Cougars were preseasoned third in the CAA South Division, just ahead of Campbell in the league rankings.
Matt Lenert, a senior forward, was recognized as the CAA Offensive Player of the Week for his performances in the opening week. Alongside Lenert, four teammates earned preseason All‑CAA honors, underscoring the program’s depth and potential.
The historical head‑to‑head record between the two sides stands at 9 wins, 9 ties and 2 draws across 20 meetings, with Campbell holding a slight edge in total goals scored (37‑34). The most recent encounter ended in a nil‑nil stalemate at Patriots Point, a result that both coaches will reference as they fine‑tune strategies.
Ricky Davey, who previously served as associate head coach at Mercer and enjoyed success with the Atlanta United Academy, brings a fresh tactical outlook. His experience in player development was highlighted during the preseason, when returning midfielder Xander Martin received an honorable‑mention spot on the All‑CAA Preseason Team.
A striking statistic for Campbell is its position among Division I leaders in minutes lost, ranking second with 18,783 minutes and a 94.9 % loss rate. The coaching staff views this metric as a catalyst for change, hoping to translate reduced playing time into fresher legs and sharper performances.
The Camels will welcome 18 new players to the roster, though only a handful of veterans will return. This blend of youth and experience sets the stage for an unpredictable opening night, where the team hopes to convert early pressure into a positive result against a disciplined Charleston side.