Tuesday, August 6, 2019

PORTLAND, Ore. – A year after capturing its third consecutive conference title and seventh in nine years, Simon Fraser enters the 2019 season ranked No. 13 in the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Men Preseason Poll. The Clan is the only team from the GNAC to crack the top-25.

Simon Fraser finished its 2018 campaign with a record of 17-2-0 (11-1-0 GNAC). The only team to take down the Clan in the regular season was Western Washington in what was a close 2-1 victory for the Vikings on Nov. 1 in Bellingham. Prior to the loss, Simon Fraser had been riding a 16-game win streak to begin its season. The Clan would later fall to Cal Poly Pomona on Nov. 10 in the second round of the NCAA West Regionals.

Simon Fraser led the conference in a bevy of offensive categories, tallying 40 goals, 30 assists and 110 points on the season in conference play. Returning to the Clan are brothers Matteo Polisi and Marcello Polisi. Matteo scored 18 goals alongside 11 assists to rack up 47 points during his sophomore season, earning First Team All-GNAC and First Team All-West Region honors. Marcello, who was the GNAC Player of the Year as a freshman, was also given First Team All-GNAC and First Team All-West Region honors as a midfielder.

Also highly anticipated to be near the top of the GNAC leaderboard in goals is Connor Glennon. The junior scored 16 goals as a sophomore in 2018.

Simon Fraser outscored its opponents 61-8 last season. In doing so, goalkeeping was just as impressive as the offense. Luciano Trasolini recorded 16 wins, 34 saves, 11 shutouts and a 0.44 GAA as a sophomore. He was awarded First Team All-GNAC and GNAC Newcomer of the Year honors.

Simon Fraser returns 13 letterwinners and seven starters from last year’s team, however, the Clan will have to enter its 2019 campaign without Mamadi Camara, the 2018 GNAC Player of the Year, and Michael North, the 2018 GNAC Defensive Player of the Year. The Clan will open its season at home with a rematch against Cal Poly Pomona on Sept. 5.