August 28, 1999

FURMAN MEN'S SOCCER PICKED TO WIN SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

GREENVILLE -- The Furman University men's soccer team was picked to win the Southern Conference in the preseason coaches poll.

The Paladins, coming off a 16-4-2 season in which they were ranked in the nation's top 20 for most of the season, return nine starters and six All-Southern Conference picks.

Furman's 1999 squad will be led by eight seniors, including three-year starters Daniel Alvarez, Seth Marks, Stephen Rodriguez, and Graham Seagraves. Marks was a first team All-South Region selection last season, while Alvarez has been a second team all-region pick each of the last two seasons. Also returning to the Paladin lineup is sophomore Matt Goldsmith, the 1998 SoCon Freshman-of-the-Year and United States Under-20 National Team participant.. Goldsmith is a 1999 College Soccer Weekly Preseason All-American.

UNCG was a close second behind the Paladins, while College of Charleston was picked third.

The Paladins open in Birmingham, Ala., against 18th ranked South Florida on September 3, and face UAB on September 5.

1999 Southern Conference Menšs Soccer Preseason Poll

• 1. Furman 68 points
• 2. UNC Greensboro 65
• 3. College of Charleston 55
• 4. Georgia Southern 42
• 5. Davidson 40
• 6. Appalachian State 38
• 7. The Citadel 21
• 8. Wofford 21
• 9. VMI 10