CLINTON, Iowa - They're back. And out to prove they're better than ever.

The Ashford University men's soccer program is surging, much like a runaway tidal wave, and opposition standing in the way might want to take notice.

Everyone is anxious to see what's in store for this season after the Saints reeled off an undefeated regular season, regular season conference title, conference tournament title and the program's first berth to the NAIA National Tournament in a remarkable 2009 campaign.

Among those curious includes AU second-year Head Coach Richard Markham, who claimed Midwest Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year honors and NSCAA regional coaching honors in his first season at the helm in 2009.

"We are very excited to get the season underway and start things off," Markham said. "Last year is in the past and this team is focused on the task at hand. There are plenty of positives on this squad and my job is to make sure we maximize everyone's potential on and off the field."

The Saints are ranked 25th in the nation to begin this fall, a new position the team will adjust to heading into the season. And for awhile when Ashford seemed to hunt down the conference leaders, the roles have been reversed and the Saints now find themselves the hunted as the preseason favorite.

Immaculate balance on offense and defense with heavy hitters and depth at every position make the Saints a dangerous threat to any team in the country.

AU's leading scorer from a year ago, Eddie Garza, has joined the coaching staff as a graduate assistant. He was part of a large senior class that also included the school's all-time leading goal scorer, Soroush Kalhor.

But Honorable Mention All-American Geraldo Garza (7 G, 6 A) is back. Former NCAA Div. I player Vedran Ilic (4 G, 12 A) is back. Juniors Nick De Backer and Rafael Machado combined for a balanced 14 goals and 15 assists as dangerous midfielders.

The defense, which pitched 12 shutouts, is going to be stronger than ever.

Senior enforcer Damian Ryan, who wins nearly every jump ball in the middle of the field, is back for another year. Stalwart senior goalkeeper Nick Roman (11 SHO) also returns. Two-time All-MCC selection Michael Handley is back after transferring mid-semester last season.

"It's exciting to see so many pieces of the puzzle back into the fold," Markham said. "They know there are lofty expectations put on their shoulders, but they have the ability to meet the challenges set before them."

What makes the year even more exciting is the prospect of a plethora of impact newcomers. Newcomers with strong high school backgrounds, NCAA transfers with Div. I pedigrees and international student-athletes just scratching the surface of their potential.

Polish transfer Bart Boguzewzki (try pronouncing that) of Blatystok, Poland, comes to campus fresh off a two-year career at NCAA Div. I University of Illinois-Chicago. He scored in the Saints' preseason opener against the University of Dubuque.

Brazilian freshman Eduardo Cruz has caught the eye of Markham early on, specifically mentioning his versatility and creativity on offense. Once again, like the list with every other sport this fall, the names could go on and on with record numbers on the roster.

A few more countries were added to the melting pot on the roster as Markham has players from seven different nations on board. Markham and his staff also mined in-state junior colleges for talent.

But in the end, the Saints would love to lay claim for a few more banners suspended from the rafters in Kehl Arena.

The quest begins tomorrow.

Ashford travels to northwestern Iowa for the NWC/Dordt Pizza Ranch Classic. The Saints face Northwestern College at 3 p.m. on Friday afternoon and meet Dordt College on Saturday at 4 p.m.