MOC soccer picked for fifth

By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on August 29, 2011 1:47 PM

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MOC Sports Information

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive College women's soccer team, which returns six All-Conference Carolinas selections from 2010, has been picked to finish fifth in the 2011 preseason poll conducted by league coaches.

On the men's side, the Trojans are chosen 10th.

The Trojan women bring back nine starters off last year's squad which won seven of its final nine matches. MOC logged a 10-8-1 worksheet -- its first winning season since 2006.

Sarah Porter, an All-America forward and 2010 league freshman-of-the-year, headlines the group of returnees. A native of Havelock, Porter punched in 20 goals and ranked among the nation's top 10 scorers.

Lindsey Stanley, an all-conference second-team forward, tied for sixth in the nation with 13 assists. Midfielder Cara Paxson also earned all-conference second team honors.

Three Trojan defenders were named to the all-conference third-team last year. Caroline Smith became only the third player in Trojan women's soccer history to earn all-conference honors in each of her first three years.

Patrice Clarke and Tia Rose became two-time all-conference selections.

Belmont Abbey is the favorite.

The MOC women open their season at home Sept. 4 against Peach Belt member North Georgia. Kickoff is 2 p.m. at Amon Field.

First-year men's head coach Godfrey Miller inherits a program with seven returning starters, including defensive standouts Cort Harter and Tyler Jameson. This year's 27-player roster is comprised of 16 newcomers.

Three of MOC's top five scorers are back -- Frank Boateng, Vieux Sarr and Tyler Vandevender.

Limestone has been tabbed the preseason favorite.

The Trojans kick off their 2011 campaign at home Thursday against Florida Southern. Game time is 7 p.m. at Amon Field.