MOC men's soccer picked seventh

By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on August 26, 2010 1:47 PM

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MOC

Sports Information

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College has been picked seventh in the 2010 Conference Carolinas preseason men's soccer poll, which was released Wednesday morning.

The Trojans, who return six starters off last year's team, received 36 points in league balloting submitted from the head coaches. MOC finished 6-10-1 a year ago, including a 5-2-1 worksheet inside the friendly confines of Amon Field.

Lees-McRae, which lost to Fort Lewis in the NCAA Division II championship match last season, is predicted to win its fourth consecutive regular-season crown. The Bobcats return seven starters and added three JUCO transfers.

Limestone (S.C.) is tabbed second, followed by Belmont Abbey College. Limestone, Belmont and LMC have combined to six of the last eight Conference Carolina tournament titles since 2002.

Pfeiffer was selected fourth. Coker, the 2009 tournament champion, is fifth. Queens, Mount Olive, Erskine, St. Andrews and Barton round out the poll in order.

The Trojans, directed by head coach Jerry Riggs, bring back their top three scorers from 2009. Scott Mitchell had six goals, while Matt Cargile and Ramon Gallardo notched four goals apiece. Gallardo tied for second on the team with four assists and Murilo Pelegrino, who logged a team-high five assists a year ago, also returns.

MOC kicks off regular-season play at home Sept. 2 against Florida Southern. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Amon Field.