C-N Soccer No. 2 in National Preseason Ranking
The Carson-Newman men’s soccer team heads into its 2014 season at no. 2 on the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division II National Preseason Ranking.
Last year, the Lads finished second in the nation with a 16-6-1 record.
Fellow South Atlantic Conference member Queens made the list at no. 22. The Royals ended their 2013 season 16-4-0.
In their senior night, the Eagles defeated Queens 2-1 with goals from Nico Noll (Esens, Niedersachsen, Germany) and All-American Ross Frame (Welshpool, Powys, United Kingdom). Sindre Welo (Trondheim, Norway) and Jake Fielder (Talbott, Tenn.) each earned a point with an assist. All four players will be returning this fall.
Also in the top 25 of the preseason ranking are Simon Fraser at no. 3, Rollins at no. 5, and Limestone at no. 21. The Eagles defeated Limestone in their regional semifinal match 3-1, toppled Rollins in the Elite Eight 2-1 and beat Simon Fraser in the Final Four 3-2 with a last minute goal from then junior Joao Dowsley (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
Lander finds itself at no. 13 on the preseason list. C-N advanced to the national quarterfinals over Lander last fall after senior captain and goalkeeper Rumwald Le Guevel (Vannes, France) made two saves in the penalty kick shootout.
The Eagles play Saint Leo in their second match of the season on Sept. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Saint Leo is in the 17th spot for preseason.
C-N opens its 2014 season against Tampa 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 4. The Lads’ first home match is against King on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
