ROCK HILL, S.C. – The Anderson University men's soccer team has been tabbed ninth in the 2023 South Atlantic Conference preseason coaches' poll, with Diego Jaramillo, Lucas Goldberg, and Mariano Carpena earning preseason All-SAC honors, as announced by the SAC office on Tuesday morning (Aug. 15). Wingate has been tabbed the favorite as they collected seven first-place votes and 113 total points.

The Trojans are coming off a 5-7-3 season in which they went 3-5-3 in conference play, finishing ninth in the standings. Anderson returns 18 players from a year ago, while adding 14 newcomers to the roster.

"We will be working to build and improve team chemistry from day one," said head coach Michael Zion. "I think the early stages of the season are about trying to reach that stage of consistently performing as a team and having the right chemistry is key."

Jaramillo, a junior from Colombia, earned second-team honors after appearing on the pitch in 10 matches last season with six starts. Diego totaled four goals and one assist, including a game-winner.

Goldberg, a sophomore from Awendaw, S.C., earned second-team honors after starting in 11 of his 15 games played last season. Lucas scored three goals, including the game-winner at Emory & Henry. He was the recipient of the Trojan Award last year which honors character both on and off the field.

Carpena, a senior from Colombia, earned third-team honors as the anchor for the Trojan defense last season. Mariano battled injuries throughout the season but was able to start in all eight games he appeared in, including a goal scored. He was named to the Collegiate Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team at the conclusion of last season along with teammates Ben Lemen, Andres Osorio, and brother Martin Carpena.

"We are proud of these three guys for their individual accomplishments," said coach Michael Zion. "This team has a lot of potential, and we are looking forward to the challenges ahead one game at a time. We are excited to get the 2023 season started!"

Anderson will play in three exhibition matches in preparation for the season, starting at Young Harris on Aug. 16, followed by another away exhibition at Francis Marion on Aug. 19. The Trojans will play host to Converse on Friday (Aug.25) in the last tune-up before the regular season begins at Barry University on Aug. 31. 

2023 SAC Men's Soccer Poll

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