"During this season, I would love for our team to aim at scoring 30 goals total," Kidd said, "and I would like to keep our opponents below 40 goals, which would be a major improvement from last year. We are hoping to finish with a better overall record."

Bethany ended 2008 0-9 in the KCAC, and 4-13-1 overall. Although they lost some key players, the Swedes return several student-athletes that will be vital to the success of the season. Senior Matt Nipe, sophomore Robert Lopez , and red shirt freshman Danny Jaime are returning players Kidd anticipates to make an impact.

"Matt is quite the leader on the team," Kidd said of the defender from Spring, Tex., "and will do whatever I ask of him, no questions asked. I really appreciate this quality in him. He should make a big impact on our back line throughout the season."

Lopez, Oklahoma City, Okla., will also help the strength of the Bethany back field. "Robert brings a sense of toughness to our back line," Kidd continued, who is in his third year at the helm. "He saw playing time in each game as a freshman and has solid presence on the field."

Jaime, a native of Pflugerville, Tex., will add versatility to Kidd's young team. "Danny has amazing speed to go along with some solid skill on the ball," said Kidd. "This will also make him a threat on the offensive side of the field attacking from a back position."

Bethany has also added some strong players to their roster. Kidd is expecting newcomers Gildardo Navarro, a junior college transfer from Feather River College, and John Nuthall, a freshman from Nevada, to make an impression on his squad.

"I am hoping that Gildardo comes in ready to contribute right away," Kidd said. "I would like to see some leadership out of him since we have such a young team again. I am also planning on John having an immediate impact for our program."

Despite the Swedes' winless streak in conference play the past two seasons, Kidd remains optimistic in post-season thoughts. "I am hoping to nab a spot in the conference tournament," he said, "but we will have to play very well to do so."

Bethany opens August 29 at 4:30 pm with an alumni scrimmage before hosting a scrimmage with Dodge City Community College September 1 at 8 pm. Their main focus for the upcoming season remains advancing skills and building off what they learn and experience throughout the year.

"I just want all of my kids to make improvements every day," said Kidd. "We are so young and have the ability to be a very tough team in the future, so I want my kids to see that potential and work hard to achieve it."