8-25-08

ANNVILLE, Pa. – Lycoming College is selected to finish third in the Commonwealth Conference this season, as announced in the preseason poll released by the conference office on Monday. The Warriors finished second in the regular season in 2007.

Defending champion Messiah was selected atop the preseason poll with 41 points, including four first-place votes. Elizabethtown, third in 2007, was selected second with 40 points and the remaining three first-place votes. The Warriors were third with 29 points, followed by Lebanon Valley (28), Widener (25), Arcadia (17) and Albright (16).

Messiah advanced to the Division III National Championship last season (21-3), falling to Trinity 1-0 in the title game. The Falcons lost their top two scorers to graduation.

The Warriors, under reigning Commonwealth Coach of the Year Scott Kennell, return all three All-Conference players from last season. Senior Matt Frey and junior Chris Lorenzet both earned first team plaudits and senior Joe Pusateri picked up second team honors.

Lorenzet will lead the offensive attack from his forward position this season and will be joined by newcomers Chris Burgess and Randon Wilston competing for time up front.

Frey will anchor the midfield and will be joined by returners McVey, Frederick and junior Dan Marcin. Also competing for time in the midfield will be junior Mike Coates, who returns this season after sitting out with an injury in 2007, and freshman Jake Manich.

Pusateri will lead the defense from his center-back position. A host of returning players and newcomers will compete for time at the other defensive positions as the Warriors lost three players to graduation. Junior Kyle Welsh will likely secure one of the starting positions after having experience as a two-year starter. Junior Chris Andrychuk and sophomores Scott Hordis and Joe Karslo will be joined by freshmen Matt Mangold and Danny Christner in competition for time.

Junior David Bald will keep his starting job as goalkeeper but will be pushed by junior Matt Klipp and senior Brian Marshall, who returns this season after having his ACL repaired last year.

Lycoming will host Penn College in a scrimmage on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 5 p.m. before opening the season at home with the Lycoming Kickoff Classic this weekend, hosting Centenary (N.J.) on Saturday at 12 p.m.

Commonwealth Conference Men’s Soccer Preseason Poll

1. Messiah                 41 points (4)

2. Elizabethtown         40 points (3)

3. Lycoming                29 points

4. Lebanon Valley        28 points

5. Widener                  25 points

6. Arcadia                   17 points

7. Albright                   16 points