ANDERSON, S.C. - After setting a new school record for wins and advancing to the NCAA regional tournament for the first time in school history last season, the Anderson men's soccer team is ranked 14th in the nation by the National Soccer Coaches Association in its preseason poll released Thursday.
Led by an explosive offense that was seventh in the nation in scoring, the Trojans closed the 2009 campaign at No. 14 in the poll after rising as high as 11th in the nation.
Anderson wrapped up last season with a sparkling 13-4-3 overall record and head coach Rob Miller believes depth, team chemistry and experience will help his team enjoy a successful inaugural season in the South Atlantic Conference.
The Trojans will be looking to replace a pair of all-conference
performers in Paulo Passini and Rayon Markland, but also return two
all-conference honorees in Lasse Sohrweide and James Moseley.
Sohrweide, a 6-foot junior from Flensburg, Germany, tied for first
on the team last season with 31 points and 14 goals, including two
game-winners. Moseley, a defender from London, England, played in
19 matches and scored a goal and recorded two assists, including an
assist on the game-winning score versus Queens last season.
"I think its good recognition for the program," Miller said. "But
it's still too early to tell because it's probably based on last
year's results and every year is different."
Fellow South Atlantic Conference member Carson-Newman (20th) joined the Trojans in the poll.
Anderson opens its 2010 regular season on the road, facing North Georgia in Clayton State's Laker Shootout, Friday, Sept. 3.
Click here to view the NSCAA preseason poll
