ANDERSON, S.C - Anderson University men's soccer is set to open its 2019 season on Thursday when it travels to Clayton State for a 7 p.m. kick-off.

The Trojans finished 11-6-3 overall during the 2018 campaign with a South Atlantic Conference Tournament championship match appearance and an NCAA bid. The Trojans won their last eight of 10 contests, including a 3-2 victory over powerhouse Limestone in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament before falling to nationally ranked Lander, 1-0, to end an outstanding season.

Anderson was recently picked to finish third in the South Atlantic Conference preseason poll which was its highest ranking since a third place prediction in the 2012 poll. The Black and Gold's highest ever ranking was a second place spot in 2011.

"I'm happy with the preseason poll, said head coach Michael Zion. "It shows recognition for what we were able to achieve last year. Other than that, I don't think it means much. While we are humbled to be amongst the top teams, we have our sights set on being at the top in November." 

Along with the preseason polls, the SAC Conference announced the preseason All-Conference selections. The Trojans had four players land on the list, senior Ryan Tyrer and juniors Lucas Mostajo, Gal Elyashiv and Harry Ward.

The Black and Gold have a solid mix of talented returners and newcomers that have had the opportunity to mesh together throughout the preseason training portion of the year.

"I'm happy with the way the team has progressed and come together throughout pre-season, added Zion. "While we know we are still not close to where we would like to be (in terms of our style and play), I think we are moving forward in the right direction, especially considering the fact that we've just come together. We've faced some top teams in the southeast during our preseason and done well. We know where we want to be at the end of the season, we know where we are at the moment, and I think we have a good idea of the where we need to improve."

"We are deep, we are driven, we are well led and we work very hard," emphasized Zion.