NEWPORT NEWS, Va. --- Hosting the first annual Steve Shaw Classic, named in honor of the long-time head coach of the Captains, the Christopher Newport men's soccer team will open the 2019 season under first year head coach Justin Chezem on Friday night. Christopher Newport will play host to Greensboro College at 7:30 p.m. in the second game of the classic format, as Kean University and Whitman College do battle in the first game at 5:00 p.m.

Live stats and a live video webcast will be available at CNUsports.com and admission is free of charge to Captains Field for fans attending in person. 

The first game in the tenure of Chezem comes after 12 years as an assistant coach patrolling the sidelines of Captains Field. The tournament, formerly named the Joe Pombriant CNU Soccer Classic was renamed after his predecessor, Shaw, who won over 300 games over the last 23 seasons at Christopher Newport. 

The Captains will return to the field after a 7-8-1 overall record last season despite outscoring opponents 28-16 for the season. Christopher Newport won the regular season conference title in 2016 and 2017 and have picked up a pair of conference tournament championships since joining the league in 2013. 

Senior Jordan Boone returns to lead the offense after scoring 11 points on 4 goals and 3 assists last season. Defensively, the veterans have a veteran core on the back line anchored by seniors Derek Cook and Khari Jones with juniors Davis Pillow and Daniel Hulett also set to return. 

CNU will take on a Greensboro College squad that was picked to win the East Division of the USA South Athletic Conference with five first-place votes. The Pride was 15-3-0 overall last season after scoring nearly 50 goals on the season. Jordy Briceno led the way with 31 points on 13 goals and 5 assists and returns for his junior season in 2019. 

Christopher Newport will also take on Whitman on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. after the Blues were picked to win the Northwest Conference this season. Last season, Whitman was 10-6-2 and are led by a pair of returning All-Conference performers this season. Jadon Bachtold and Peter Stephens are back after a strong defense led the team a year ago. 

Kean rounds out the tournament field and will face the opposite schedule as Christopher Newport over the two day event. The Cougars were 5-9-3 last season with a 1-7-1 mark in conference play. 

A full recap and box scores will be available following the action at CNUsports.com.