Lander, Francis Marion Selected as Men’s Soccer Preseason Favorites

AUGUSTA, GA -- For only the second time in PBC history, two men’s soccer teams stand atop the coaches preseason poll as both Francis Marion and Lander were tied for the league lead in the poll released today. Francis Marion received four first-place votes on its eight ballots for 56 points while Lander was ranked either first or second on seven of their eight ballots, also for 56 points. This marks the first time since the inaugural season of 1992 that two teams have stood atop the preseason poll. That year, ironically, Lander was involved as they were tied with USC Upstate.

Clayton State finished third in the 2009 poll while newcomer Montevallo was fourth and UNC Pembroke fifth.

Francis Marion was picked fifth in the 2008 preseason poll and surprised everyone by winning the PBC regular-season championship and PBC Tournament. The Patriots were 5-0-1 in conference play and advanced to their second-ever NCAA Tournament, where they advanced to the second round. To repeat that success, the Patriots return several key components, including five All-Conference players such as leading goal-scorer Kyle Clinton and goalkeeper Clark Richeson.

Lander finished in a tie for second in the standings and fell to FMU 1-0 in double-overtime of the PBC tournament final before advancing to the NCAA Tournament. The Bearcats are also heavily loaded for 2009 with the return of PBC Player of the Year Aaron Brittain and first-team All-Conference forward Adam Arthur. The two standouts were among the top three scorers in the conference last season. Also back is All-Conference midfielder Jamie Davidson and 2007 All-American and All-Conference defender Jamie Ramm, who missed most of 2008 with an injury.

Clayton State finished with Lander in the tie for second place in the 2008 standings. For 2009, the Lakers welcome back PBC Freshman of the Year Leighton Fredericks, who led the league with 13 goals scored. Also back are All-Conference midfielders Matty Phillips, who was tied for the league lead in assists with 10, and Kyle Timm. In all eight of 11 starters from last year’s 9-5-4 team return.

The PBC will have a new look for the 2009 season with the addition of new members Flagler College and the University of Montevallo. Flagler played as a DII independent last season with an 11-5-2 overall record. Montevallo was undefeated in Gulf South Conference play last year with a 6-0 record, reached the GSC Tournament championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

The 2009 season begins on Aug. 27 with conference play beginning Sept. 12. The PBC Tournament will begin with first-round games on home sites on Nov. 3 with the final four returning to Blanchard Woods Park in Evans, Ga., Nov. 6 and 8.