Thursday, August 7, 2014

PORTLAND, Ore. – For the second consecutive year Simon Fraser is ranked third in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s (NSCAA) national pre-season poll.

The Clan, which has reached the national semifinals the past two seasons, is right behind last year’s national champion Southern New Hampshire and runner-up Carson-Newman in the poll.

The 2013 GNAC champions, led by four-time GNAC Coach of the Year Alan Koch, return eight starters on a team that reached the national semifinals.  

Senior Midfielder Jovan Blagojevic, who was second in the conference in goals scored last year, highlights this year’s group which also includes 2013 GNAC Newcomer of the Year Magnus Kristensen and GNAC Defender of the Year Alex Rowley.

Returning second-team All-GNAC starters Ryan Dhillon and Johannes Hallman will help bolster another strong team for the 2014 season.  

Simon Fraser, which led the nation in 2013 in total points (211) and goals (77), will try to replace departed GNAC Player of the Year and Daktronics first team All-American Chris Bargholz.

Simon Fraser kicks off its 2014 season with a match against Sonoma State at 7:30 p.m.  on Sept. 4.