The spring has come with its own unique set of challenges for the men’s soccer team. The Pack is learning to cope largely without its departed senior class. State lost nine seniors, including a significant chunk of its scoring, after the fall and is counting on a large incoming freshman class to come in and compete for playing time.

However, don’t call 2010 a rebuilding year. At least not where rising senior midfielder Chris Zuerner can hear it.

“We did lose a lot of seniors, but by no means is this a rebuilding year,” Zuerner said. “It’s a different group of guys. A lot of people get to step up in the spring and show what they’re made of.”

The remaining players are busy at work preparing for the fall season, hitting the weight room twice a week in addition to practices each weekday. They have also scrimmaged a handful of in-state teams, with mixed results.

State won its first spring game, a 2-0 decision at UNC-Wilmington. After that, Zuerner said the team was handed a decisive loss by the Carolina RailHawks, a professional soccer club based a few miles away from campus.

“It was a tough match. We wound up losing it, but you know, that’s kind of their job,” Zuerner said. “It’s been a busy spring season, definitely the busiest since I’ve been here. It’s been just as long as the fall season, just not as many games.”

The team split close games with Elon and UNC-Greensboro and will finish up practice this week. But before players disperse for the summer, they will take on the Under-21 Mexican National team Friday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

“We don’t get an opportunity very often to play a national team,” Zuerner said. “For them to come to Raleigh and for us to schedule that game, it’s really exciting. We’re getting all the preparation we need to and we’ll be ready to play.”

A few seniors stuck around for spring games and practices. Zuerner said they are infrequently called upon.

“We only play them if we absolutely need to,” Zuerner said. “They’re mostly there to support the team and in case someone gets injured.”

Several players have already moved on. A few former Pack players are behind the scenes, working on grades, and Zuerner said some are scattered around the world looking to play professionally. Defenseman Korede Aiyegbusi, who just graduated, was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in January. He made his professional debut against D.C. United March 27 in the opening game of Kansas’ 2010 MLS season.

“If there’s one person who deserves to be at that level, it’s ‘K’,” Zuerner said. “He’s such a hard worker. I know he’s doing well up there in Kansas City and he’s getting some playing time. He’s got to earn his respect and pay his dues, so to speak.”