MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Two-time NAIA National Championship coach Alex Nichols begins a new era of FMU soccer as the Lions host the Conquistadors of Florida National on Sunday afternoon in their season opener.

"Our coaches and most importantly, student-athletes, have been working hard this preseason," said Coach Nichols. "We have a very new team this season, and any new team has so much to learn, but the guys are learning fast and willing to engage in different elements of the game. This first season, I took over in April, so I knew it would be a challenge. But that's soccer, and sports in general. We have players and coaches that are up for the challenge. I'm very excited about this group of student-athletes as they are good players, good students, and good people," Nichols explained.

The two-time NAIA Coach of the Year is determined to make his mark in the world of South Florida soccer and understands the process.

"Nothing is always sunshine and rainbows, but I believe we have a team that believes in themselves and each other, so we look forward to the season ahead."

He will attempt to bring similar success to Florida Memorial's men's soccer program like he had with his previous program, becoming one of the most decorated soccer coaches in the history of the sport on the collegiate level.

During his time at Central Methodist, Nichols led his team to back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2018 and 2019. Nichols also guided the Eagles to two additional trips to the NAIA National Final Four. In nine seasons, Nichols holds a CMU career record of 153-30-13 and has coached 56 All-Conference honorees along with 27 NAIA All-Americans.

"We start the season on Sunday playing a top-tier team in Florida National whom, although ranked 21st in the NAIA, I feel are underrated," Nichols stated. "Florida National is going to be quite a challenge. They have great coaches and great players, so it will be a great game to help us prepare for arguably the best conference in the nation. A conference where there should be five or six nationally ranked teams. So it's a real challenge ahead, but one we are excited about."

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. at newly renovated Dr. Lester Brown Park (19405 NW 32nd Ave, Miami Gardens, Fla. 33056)

Click here to view live stats following kickoff, and click here to watch the match live on HBCU+.