Men’s Soccer to Begin 2009 Ranked Ninth in the Nation
Following its trip to the round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament in
2008, the Emory University men's soccer team will begin the 2009
season ranked ninth in Division III, according to the National
Soccer Coaches Association of America pre-season poll.
It marks the highest pre-season ranking in the program's history,
eclipsing Emory's ranking of 13th to begin last
season. The Eagles finished the 2008 campaign with a 16-2-1
campaign, including a program-best 16-consecutive wins to start the
season and their first University Athletic Association (UAA)
Championship since 1998.
In their second year under the leadership of head coach
Sonny Travis, the Eagles matched a program record
with 16 victories in 2008, and had back-to-back 16 win seasons for
the first time in the team's history. Despite losing 11
seniors from last year's team, Emory will return UAA Rookie of the
Year Ben Schlang (nine goals and five assists for
23 points), and juniors Christopher Howie
(midfield), Michael Scannapieco (forward), and
Jake Graetz (defense), who played in all 19 games
in 2008.
Emory will open its regular season at the Woodruff Physical
Education Center on Wednesday, September 2nd, hosting
the opening game of the Sonny Carter Invitational against Southern
Wesleyan University at 6:00 PM.
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