August 26, 2003

FURMAN MEN'S SOCCER PICKED FIRST IN SOCON; FOUR PLAYERS EARN PRESEASON ALL-LEAGUE HONORS

GREENVILLE, SC -- The Furman men's soccer team has been picked to win the 2003 Southern Conference title in balloting by the league's coaches Tuesday. Four Paladins have been selected to the league's preseason all-conference team.

The Paladins collected five of eight first-place votes - and 47 total votes - in the 2003 coaches' preseason poll. UNC Greensboro and the College of Charleston tied for second in the voting with 39 point each. The Spartans got two first place votes with Charleston picking up one first place vote.

Forward Scott Hoch, midfielder Clint Dempsey, defender McNeil Cronin and goalkeeper Alex Maslow were all tabbed as preseason all-conference picks. Dempsey, a second team All-American, and McNeil Cronin are both two-time all-league selections while Hoch was second on the Paladin squad a year ago with ten goals and 23 points. Maslow, a junior from Charlotte, N.C., recorded nine shutouts and a Southern Conference leading 0.63 goals against average last season.

Head coach Doug Allison returns six starters from the 2002 squad which finished 19-3-1 and reached the NCAA tournament's round of 16.

Furman opens its season on August 29, when it battles preseason No. 2 Maryland in the Diadora Challenge at Creighton University. The Terrapins are ranked No. 1 in the College Soccer News poll while Furman is ranked No. 9.

The Paladins open their home schedule versus South Florida on September 5, in the Diadora/Spinx Furman Invitational. The Paladins have qualified for the NCAA Tournament each of the past four seasons.

Furman currently owns an NCAA record 43-match Southern Conference unbeaten streak as it has won the last four Southern Conference titles.

2003 Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

1. Furman (5) 47
T2. UNC Greensboro (2) 39
T2. College of Charleston (1) 39
4. Davidson 30
5. Appalachian State 29
6. Georgia Southern 17
7. Elon 14
8. Wofford 9

2003 Men's Soccer Preseason All-League Team

GK- Alex Maslow, Furman
D- David Peoples, Davidson
D- McNeil Cronin, Furman
D- James Carlson, UNC Greensboro
MF- Mark Thornton, Appalachian State
MF- Troy Lesesne, College of Charleston
MF- Clint Dempsey, Furman
MF- Jeff Lochrie, UNC Greensboro
F- Keon McPherson, Appalachian State
F- Jeff Files, College of Charleston
F- Tony Meyers, College of Charleston
F- Scott Hoch, Furman
F- Tony Moffat, Georgia Southern