The time has finally arrived.

Sul Ross State University's men's soccer team is back in action this weekend with two matches to kick off the 2022 season.

The Lobos travel to Jackson, Mississippi, for a 5:30 p.m. CST match against Belhaven on Thursday, Sept. 1 before heading to Shreveport, Louisiana, for a 7:30 p.m. kick off against Centenary on Saturday, Sept. 3.

Last season, Sul Ross finished 4-9 overall after beginning the year on a three-game winning streak, which is the longest win streak and best start in the program's young history.

The Lobos are hoping to develop a strong pack mentality this season to help put together a winning record.

"We're on the rise. If we're disciplined, unselfish, trying to hunt with that pack (then) we have a chance to be there," said head coach Jon Evan. "We want to make sure that we're not going hungry.

"We're going to work hard and try to improve upon what we did last year."

>> TEAM BUILDING TRIP: It's been a tradition with Evan and his programs as of late.

Before the start of the season, Evan takes his team up to Kansas City, Missouri, to relish an experience of touring and utilizing the training facility of the U.S. national soccer team.

Players got to see firsthand what it's like to compete and work at the highest level while also getting the opportunity to watch a match played by Sporting KC.

"It's an amazing experience for these guys to be able to go on a preseason trip. We got to train on the fields," said Evan about the trip. "Obviously, we're blown away. We're blessed."

>> TEAM OUTLOOK: Sul Ross has 15 new freshmen competing for big roles alongside the 10 upperclassmen.

Seniors Luis Gonzalez, David Gallegos, Jair Moreno, Nana Prempeh, Alexis Tellez and Mauricio Perez are just a few of the upperclassmen expected to play a key part this season.

Gonzalez and Gallegos led the squad with three goals last season. Gonzalez is a key attacker while Gallegos is a versatile defender that can play anywhere in the center of the field.

Perez, a major contributor and leader, logged 723 minutes last season. This year the coaching staff hopes to send him off with a bang.

Evan expects a lot from his freshmen group, which is his first recruiting class. Last season the program made history by graduating the first four-year players.

This year's group of seniors are no different as it has helped anchor the program.

"We're excited to send them off properly and they're excited to do it. They're leading us right now and proving it," Evan said. "We stand on their shoulders. We owe it to them."

There are big expectations for freshmen Ricardo Bolanos, Julian Sandoval, Rafael Paiva, David Dominguez, Stefan Bartlett, Joseph Garza, Julio Hinojos, Israel Torres, Andrew Magana, Justin Quinonez, Jose Rangel and Ian Seager.

The Lobos also have a local player in Fort Davis native Oscar Morales that will look to make an impact when he's on the ball.

Freshman Manuel Osorio, a two-sport athlete, will be pulling double duty this fall as a member of the Lobo football squad. His athleticism will help out a lot at the center back position.

Junior transfer Jacob Garza, out of Ranger College, seeks to make an immense impact alongside his brother Joseph.

Juniors Antonio Lozano and Ryan Seidon are two other integral pieces for the Lobos.

Lastly, Sul Ross has three sophomores in Pablo Herrera, Cristobal Rodriguez and Xavier Russell that are expected to build off last season and take the next step to help the program flourish.

"They are forming a cohesive team. That's the most important thing. Hopefully that produces results," Evan added.