Morrow, GA — June 3, 2005 – The Clayton State University men’s soccer team finished the 2004 season, ranked 15^th in the nation, and with the signing of number of talented players for 2005, the Lakers chances of climbing up that poll next season is rising. 

Second-year head coach Pete Petersen’s main focus for the fall was offense, and he has stocked the Lakers with plenty of firepower, led by a trio of forwards in Kevin Crooks, Victor Duncan and Tony Madegwa, all of whom are expected to make an immediate impact for the club. 

“Last year, we scored by a counter attack, a set piece or one of Juan’s (Trujillo) patented runs,” said Petersen. “The crosshairs will be larger in ’05 on Juan. We went after scorers, assist men…anyone with quality that could run points on the score sheet…We need to dictate much more in the final third, if we want a shot a the national title.” 

Crooks, a 6-foot-3 forward, will enter the program as junior transferring from Young Harris College, where he was an All-Region 17 selection last year. He played on the U-20 Trinidad National Team and scored a goal for his native country earlier this year in a 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships match against the United States. 

A 6-3 transfer from the University of North Florida, Duncan was a three-year starter and former All-Peach Belt Conference performer for the Ospreys. He was the league’s fifth leading scorer in 2003 with 14 goals on the year. He has scored 25 goals for UNF in the last three seasons. 

Madegwa, a native of Kenya, is a transfer from Oklahoma Baptist, a NAIA school that finished last year 23^rd in the nation with a 14-5 record. He was the team’s second leading scorer with 10 goals and seven assists. He also played with the Kenyan U-23 national team in the 2004 Olympic qualification rounds. 

It will be difficult for the Laker defense to improve a lot in 2005 after finishing last season ranked 11^th in the nation on the defensive end, but with the signing of an All-America defender in Carlos Parra, the Laker defense will once again be among the nation’s best.  A U-17 U.S. National team pool player, Parra starred at Tyler Junior College, where he helped lead the squad to a 16-3-2 record. The squad finished the season 13^th in the junior college ranks.  

Clayton State’s top incoming midfielders are Junior Smith, Johnny Lara and Chris Eke. Smith, a native of Jamaica, was a U-20 Jamaican National team pool player, and he along with Eke played at Georgia Perimeter. Lara will enter as a true freshman, playing at Collins Hill High School and for the U-17 Concorde Fire. He led Collins Hill, a team that rose to a No. 1 ranking in the state last year, to a 14-2-3 record. 

In addition to Collins Hill’s Lara, the Lakers will have several other incoming high school players in forwards, Angel Kalinov, Miguel Pinzon and Mark Dupry; midfielder Aaron Baker; and defender Abdifatah Hassan. 

Kalinov, a native of Bulgaria, played for Sprayberry High School and the U-18 Cherokee Redwings, leading the squad to the Class 5-A state tournament. Pinzon, from Colombia, played for Collins Hill and for the U-18 Norcross Fury. Dupry, a native of Haiti, played at Morrow High Shool and for the U-17 Concorde Fire. MHS finished with a 16-1-2 record, advancing to the 5-A state tournament. 

A midfielder from Atlanta, GA, Baker played at South Gwinnett High School and for the U-18 Silverbacks Quest. Hassan played at North Druid Hills, leading the team to the Class 3-A state Final Four and a No. 4 ranking in the state with a 17-3-2 record. 

The trio of Kalinov, Pinzon and Hassan, all recently played in the Georgia State High School Association All-Star game with Pinzon being named the game’s Most Valuable Player after scoring two goals. 

In addition to the top newcomers, the Lakers will have three players returning to the squad after sitting out last season. Sophomores Pa’Alasan Jahumpa, Jarrid Nicholson and Daniel English all return after logging valuable minutes in 2003. 

Jahumpa led the team in scoring in 2003 with 10 goals and six assists, en route to being named the team’s Most Valuable Offensive Player. English, who started 16 matches in 2003, was the team’s Most Improved Player, while Nicholson played in 15 matches. 

With Clayton State’s recruiting class and the returnees, expectations for 2005 are high. The Lakers return two All-Americas in seniors Alex Dowling and Juan Trujillo. All-PBC keeper Heath Padgett will return with former All-Region performer Andre Rall. Seniors Scott LeClerc and Josh Stewart along with junior Todd Denson round a returning group that features seven starters. 

“We have a solid group of youth and experience coming in,” said Petersen,” We are still in talks with three or four more players and hopefully by the end of summer, they will be on board.” 

Clayton State finished the 2004 season with a 12-4-4 record and advanced for the first time in school history to the “Sweet Sixteen” of the NCAA Division II National Soccer Championships. The Lakers advanced to the Southeast Regional final after a dramatic penalty kick shootout with Queens University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. 

The Lakers fell 2-0 to eventual NCAA Final Four team the University of North Carolina Pembroke in the Southeast Regional Championship. The Lakers were ranked in the national poll in early September and remained among the top 25 teams for the entire season, rising as high as 10^th in the country. 

Morrow, GA --- March 16, 2005 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team will face off against the Atlanta Silverbacks in an exhibition match at Roswell High School on Saturday, March 19th at 7 p.m. 

The Clayton State men’s team is currently working out in its non-competitive spring season. The Lakers are coming off a 14-4-4 season and an appearance in the “Sweet Sixteen” of the NCAA Soccer Championships last year. The squad finished the season ranked 15^th in the nation. 

“Hopefully we can give them a competitive match and keep it relatively close,” said head Clayton State coach Pete Petersen. “It will be a good opportunity for our players and will be a chance for soccer fans in the Atlanta area to see the quality of our soccer program at Clayton State.”
 
The Silverbacks, out of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) First Division, were originally scheduled to play a college All-Star team comprised of top players from a number of local colleges and universities. However, NCAA regulations prohibit the grouping of players with remaining college eligibility onto one team for exhibition or other competitive purposes. NCAA regulations do allow for a single college to play in such events and Clayton State was chosen as this year's college opponent.
 
Said Silverback head coach, David Vaudreuil, "Just getting back on the field and seeing how the guys respond in certain situations is what I am looking forward too. This will allow us to really tune up for game situations and start preparing for the regular season."
 
Tickets to the exhibition will be $10.  Included in the ticket price is a complimentary ticket to the Silverbacks May 7th regular season doubleheader when the Men will play the Toronto Lynx at 5:30 pm followed by the Silverbacks Women's season opener versus the Hampton Roads Pirhanas at 8:00 pm. Both games will be played at Dekalb Memorial Stadium. Silverbacks Men's and Women's players will be available for autographs at the March 19th exhibition.  

For more information about tickets, please visit the Silverbacks website AtlantaSilverbacks.com.

Morrow, GA — December 14, 2004 – For the first time in school history, the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer program had two players named to the NCAA Division II All-America squad. 

Clayton State juniors Alex Dowling and Juan Trujillo were both named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-America team, which recognizes the top Division II soccer players across the country. Clayton State’s Peach Belt Conference had a record six players named to the team. 

Dowling, from Johannesburg, South Africa, led the Clayton State defense to a .71 goals against average this season, which ranked 11^th in the country and best in the Peach Belt. The Clayton State defense allowed only 15 goals on the year.  Dowling, who has been selected as next season’s captain, helped lead the Lakers to eight shutouts on the year from his defensive position. 

Trujillo, from Atlanta, GA, led the squad in scoring with 10 goals and three assists on the year, sixth best in the conference. He scored four game-winning goals on the year, including the game winner against nationally-ranked the University of South Carolina Upstate.  

Dowling and Trujillo become Clayton State’s second and third men’s soccer players to be named to All-America, while the Lakers have been competing at the NCAA Division II level. Josh Grenier became Clayton State’s first Division II All-America in 2000 after the Lakers went 18-3-1. Clayton State’s Stacy Washington was named All-America in 1992 and Adrian Drury in 1996 when the school competed at the NAIA level. 

Clayton State finished the 2004 season with a 12-4-4 record and advanced for the first time in school history to the “Sweet Sixteen” of the NCAA Division II National Soccer Championships. The Lakers advanced to the Southeast Regional final after a dramatic penalty kick shootout with Queens University in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The Lakers fell 2-0 to eventual NCAA Final Four team the University of North Carolina Pembroke in the Southeast Regional Championship. The Lakers were ranked in the national poll in early September and remained among the top 25 teams for the entire season, rising as high as 10^th in the country. 

The 12-win season in 2004 marked the fifth straight season that the Lakers have won 11 or more matches in a season. Clayton State has a 64-21-13 record over the past five seasons, which includes three trips to the NCAA National Tournament, a “Sweet Sixteen” appearance, a Peach Belt regular season Championship and a Peach Belt Tournament Championship. The Clayton State soccer program has a 117-108-18 record in 13 years. 

Morrow, GA — December 7, 2004 – The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team is coming off one of its top seasons in school history, and the postseason accolades are beginning to roll in for Laker players. 

Clayton State juniors Alex Dowling and Juan Trujillo were both named to the NCAA Division II National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Southeast Region team. Both players were named to the first team, qualifying them for All-America honors to released later this month. 

Dowling, from Johannesburg, South Africa, led the Clayton State defense to .71 goals against average this season, which ranked 11th in the country and best in the Peach Belt Conference. The Clayton State defense allowed only 15 goals on the year.  Dowling, who has been selected as next season’s captain, helped lead the Lakers to eight shutouts on the year from his defensive position. 

Trujillo, from Atlanta, GA, led the squad in scoring with 10 goals and three assists on the year, sixth best in the conference. He scored four game-winning goals on the year, including the game winner against nationally-ranked the University of South Carolina Upstate.  

Dowling and Trujillo’s recognition marks the third time the Clayton State soccer program has had multiple players named to the All-Region team. Josh Grenier, Barry Casebeer and Warren van der Westhuizen were all named to the All-Region team in 2000, and Casebeer, Westhuizen and Marco Capazario received the honor in the 2001 season. 

Clayton State finished the 2004 season with a 12-4-4 record and advanced for the first time in school history to the “Sweet Sixteen” of the NCAA Division II National Soccer Championships. The Lakers advanced to the Southeast Regional final after a dramatic penalty kick shootout with Queens University in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The Lakers fell 2-0 to eventual NCAA Final Four team the University of North Carolina Pembroke in the Southeast Regional Championship. 

The Lakers were ranked in the national poll in early September and remained among the top 25 teams for the entire season, rising as high as 10th in the country. The Clayton State soccer program has a 117-108-18 record in 13 years.

Pembroke, NC --- November 13, 2004 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer season came to end Saturday, falling 2-0 to fifth-ranked University of North Carolina Pembroke in the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional Championship.

The loss closes out Clayton State with a 12-4-4 record on the season. The Lakers advanced to the NCAA’s “Sweet Sixteen,” prevailing 4-3 in a penalty kick shootout over Queens University of Charlotte on Thursday.

The Lakers fell behind in the 19^th minute of the match, as Mircea Cosac scored after some confusion off a throw-in. Sascha Gorres and Trond Myrland were credited with assists on the play as Gorres threw the ball in and Myrland fed a touch pass to Cosac.

UNC Pembroke added some insurance in the 63^rd minute, as the Braves capitalized on a Laker mistake. Myrland crossed a ball to Cosac for the score, his second goal of the match.

Clayton State had a couple of opportunities, the first coming on the opening kickoff. A set play by the Lakers gave senior Richard Morton a shot on goal from 30 yards out but his shot was just right. The Lakers also had a chance late on free kick, but UNCP keeper Richard Sallin stopped a header by sophomore Andre Rall.

The Braves finished with a 20-6 shot advantage and had nine corner kicks compared to only one for Clayton State. Laker keeper Heath Padgett finished with nine saves, while Sallin had two.

Clayton State men's soccer advances to 
S.E. Regional Championships 

Morrow, GA — November 10, 2004 – The 25^th-ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team is gearing up for the 2004 NCAA Division II National Soccer Championships, and recently had three players recognized for their play from the Peach Belt Conference this season. 

Junior Alex Dowling, junior Juan Trujillo and sophomore Heath Padgett were all named to the league’s All-Conference squad, a first for all three players. The Clayton State men will return to action on Thursday, traveling to play Queens University of Charlotte in the first round of the NCAA Division II Soccer Championships at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. 

Dowling, from Johannesburg, South Africa, led the Clayton State defense to a.69 goals against average this season, which ranks 10^th in the country and best in the Peach Belt Conference. The Clayton State defense has allowed only 13 goals on the year. 

Trujillo, from Atlanta, GA, led the squad in scoring this season with 10 goals and three assists on the year, sixth best in the conference. He scored four game-winning goals on the year, including the game winner against the University of South Carolina Upstate earlier this season. 

Like Dowling, Padgett, from Gainesville, GA, also led the Clayton State defense to a league-low goals against average. He finished the season with a .70 goals against average, the second best in the conference. Padgett recorded almost five shutouts and played the most minutes of any keeper in the league at 1,633 minutes. 

Clayton State’s match on Thursday will begin at 7 p.m. and the winner will advance to the regional final against UNCP on Saturday at 7 p.m. The Laker men’s team is coming off a 2-0 loss in the Peach Belt Conference semifinals to USC Upstate. Clayton State has a 12-3-3 record on the season and defeated Queens 2-1 in the second match of the regular season. Senior Richard Morton had the game-winner in the 64^th minute.  

The Lakers last played in the NCAA Division II tournament in the 2001 season, falling to Lander University 2-1 in overtime in the first round. Clayton State tied Francis Marion University in its only other appearance in the national tournament in 2000 in an epic four-overtime match. The Patriots advanced to the second round on penalty kicks 5-3.  

Morrow, GA — November 8, 2004 — Both the Clayton College & State University men’s and women’s soccer teams received news late Monday evening that they will be headed to the “Big Dance.”  

The “Big Dance” is the NCAA Division II National Soccer Championships, and both Clayton State soccer teams have received bids to the national tournament, the invitation for the men’s team will be the third appearance in the national tournament, while the bid for the women’s squad will be the program’s first.  

Peach Belt Conference champion the University of North Carolina Pembroke will host the men’s NCAA Division II Southeast Regional on Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 11-13. The third team in the regional will be Queens University. Clayton State will face Queens in the first round match on Thursday at 7 p.m. with winner of Thursday’s match meeting UNCP in the regional final on Saturday at 7 p.m.  

The women’s Southeast Regional will be hosted by South Atlantic Conference’s Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN. Clayton State will face Carson-Newman in the first round of the tournament at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, while the University of North Florida and Catawba College will meet in the other semifinal match at noon. The semifinal winners will meet on Sunday, November 14^th in the regional championship at 1:30 p.m.   

Both the men’s and women’s regional winners will advance to the NCAA Division II National Championship quarterfinals on Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 20-21.  

The 20^th-ranked Laker men’s team is coming off a 2-0 loss in the Peach Belt Conference semifinals to the University of South Carolina Upstate. The Lakers have a 12-3-3 record on the season and defeated Queens 2-1 in the second match of the regular season. Senior Richard Morton had the game-winner in the 64^th minute.  

The Lakers last played in the NCAA Division II tournament in the 2001 season, falling to Lander University 2-1 in overtime in the first round. Clayton State tied Francis Marion University in its only other appearance in the national tournament in 2000 in an epic four-overtime match. The Patriots advanced to the second round on penalty kicks 5-3.  

The Clayton State women’s appearance in the national tournament will be a first for the program. The Lakers are enjoying a program-best 13-5-1 record and coming off a 2-1 double overtime loss in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championships to North Florida. PBC Freshman of Year Olaitan Yusuf and PBC Player of the Year Nkiru Okosieme have led the Laker attack this season. Yusuf, the nation’s leading scorer, currently has 33 goals on the season, tying the school and PBC record set by Okosieme in 2001.  

Morrow, GA — November 2, 2004 — The 20^th-ranked Clayton College & State University State men’s soccer team scored two unanswered goals in the final 25 minutes of Tuesday’s first round Peach Belt Conference Tournament match to defeat Francis Marion University 2-1 at Laker Field.  

Senior Anthony Wright scored the game winner in the 82^nd minute off a pass from fellow senior David Dowling, who threaded a pass between two defenders. Wright received ball, turned and beat one defender and the keeper with a shot in the lower left of the net. The goal was Wright’s fourth of the season.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 12-2-3 on the season and will advance to the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Championships at the University of North Carolina Pembroke on Friday. Clayton State will face off against the winner of tonight’s University of South Carolina Upstate and the University of South Carolina Aiken match. The loss ends Francis Marion’s season with an 8-10-1 record.  

After neither team was able to score for the first 66 minutes of the match, both teams exploded for two goals in less than 30 seconds.  

FMU’s Peter Nsubuga got the Patriots on the board at the 66:17 mark, muscling a shot past Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett, his ninth goal of the season. The play was set up on a cross by Anthony Addorisio, followed by some confusion in the Clayton State box, which allowed Nsubuga to get off the shot.  

The Lakers came right back on the ensuing kickoff to knot the score at 1-1. Senior Shaun Baddock rifled a shot past FMU keeper Jonathan Runion for his second goal of the season after a cross from Andre Rall.                       

Morrow, GA — November 1, 2004 — The Clayton College & State University State men’s and women’s soccer teams will open the 2004 Peach Belt Conference Tournament at home this week with the men hosting a match on Tuesday, followed by the women’s squad hosting a match on Wednesday.  

The 14^th-ranked Laker men, seeded third in the tournament, will host sixth-seeded Francis Marion. The Lakers defeated the Patriots 2-1 earlier this season at home. Clayton State will enter the match with an 11-2-3 record, while FMU currently sits at 8-9-1.  

The match will begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday with the winner advancing to the PBC Final Four hosted by league champion the University of North Carolina Pembroke. The semifinal and final rounds of the tournament will be played on Friday and Saturday. 

The Lakers will try to shut down the Patriots, relying mainly on its top-rated defense. Clayton State has a .59 goals against average, which is best in the conference and seventh in the country, and has allowed only six goals in the last 13 matches this season.

 The winner of Tuesday’s match will advance to face the winner of second-seeded the University of South Carolina Upstate and the University of South Carolina Aiken in the semifinals of the tournament on Friday at UNCP.

 On the women’s side, fourth-seeded Clayton State will host fifth-seeded UNC Pembroke in a 2 p.m. match on Wednesday. Clayton State lost 2-1 to the Braves earlier this season. Clayton State enters the match with an 11-4-1 record, while UNCP has a 12-4-2 record on the season.

 The offensive tandem of Olaitan Yusuf and Nkiru Okosieme leads Clayton State. Yusuf leads the nation with 28 goals, while Okosieme, the all-time leading scorer in the league, has 14 goals on the year.

 The winner of Wednesday’s match will advance to face the winner of eighth-seeded GC&SU and PBC champion Francis Marion on Saturday in the PBC semifinals.  

###CCSU## 

Morrow, GA — October 30, 2004 — A battle between two of the nation’s top-ranked defensive units lived up to its billing, Saturday, as the Clayton College & State University and the University of Montevallo men’s soccer teams battled to a scoreless tie on Senior Day at Laker Field.  

The tie closes Clayton State’s regular season with an 11-2-3 record. With Peach Belt Conference foe, the University of South Carolina Upstate defeating Francis Marion University 2-1 on Saturday, the Lakers will finish third in the league. Clayton State will open the PBC Tournament on Tuesday, hosting Francis Marion in a 2 p.m. match.

 Saturday’s match was as even statistically as it was on the scoreboard. The Lakers finished with 15 shots and several chances, only to have Montevallo keeper Raven Keet come up with several quality saves. CCSU had one of their best chances to score with 7:45 remaining in the second overtime with senior Anthony Wright drilling a shot from point blank range only to have Keet come up with the stop.

 Montevallo finished the match with 14 shots in the game and eight corner kicks. The Falcons best shot was early, as Casey Simpson banged a shot off the post from 15 yards out with 8:42 remaining in the first half.

 Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett finished with five saves and led the squad to its fifth shutout of the season. Keet finished with six saves and led the team to its seventh shutout of the year.  

Montevallo closes its regular season with a 9-3-2 record and will return to action next week in the Gulf South Tournament.

Morrow, GA — October 20, 2004 —- Clayton College & State University senior captain Shaun Baddock’s first goal of the season could not have come a better time.  

Tied 1-1 Wednesday against NCAA Southeast Region opponent Lees-McRae, Baddock took a pass from sophomore Todd Denson off his chest, setting up a shot off his right foot that found the middle of the net past Bobcat keeper Calvin Dixon in the 82^nd minute of the match. 

The Lakers held on in the final eight minutes of the match, thanks to two quality saves by sophomore keeper Heath Padgett on shots from point-blank range, improving to 10-2-2 on the year. Lees-McRae, a region opponent out of the Carolina-Virginia Athletic Conference, drops to 7-5 on the season.  

Clayton State will return to action on Saturday for homecoming in a 2 p.m. match against Shorter College. The Laker men’s team will close their regular season on Saturday, October 30^th, hosting the University of Montevallo for Senior Day.  

The Lakers raced out to an early lead with Denson scoring eight minutes into the match. After a long punt by Padgett, Denson beat one defender and the keeper with a shot to give the team a 1-0 lead. LMC knotted the score at 1-1 in the second half at the 62^nd minute on unassisted goal by Michael Shope that got under Padgett.  

Jacksonville, FL — October 16, 2004 — The 10th-ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team dropped a heart breaker Saturday night, falling 1-0 to Peach Belt Conference opponent the University of North Florida 1-0 in double overtime in Jacksonville, FL.   

UNF’s Barclay Powers scored the game-winner off of a free kick, giving the Ospreys the win. Powers took advantage of a free kick that stemmed from a Clayton State red card, knocking a shot passed Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett.   

North Florida finished with 20 shots and two corner kicks compared to 14 shots and three corner kicks for the Lakers. CCSU keeper Heath Padgett finished with five saves, while Brad Jones had eight.   

Morrow, GA --- October 13, 2004 --- A matchup between the Peach Belt Conference’s top offensive team this year and its top defensive squad ended in a draw Wednesday at Laker Field on the campus of Clayton College & State University.  

Tenth-ranked Clayton State, the league’s top defensive team, and PBC rival Lander University, the conference’s top offensive team battled to a scoreless tie after 110 minutes of play. Both teams had their chances in the final three minutes of the match only to have their respective keepers come up with saves on shots from point-blank range.  

Lander University’s Luke Ibbetson, the Peach Belt’s leading scorer, had two opportunities from within the box late in the second overtime period, but on both occasions Clayton State sophomore keeper Heath Padgett came up with diving saves to avert a game-winning goal.  

Clayton State’s best chance to score also came in the second overtime as junior forward Juan Trujillo drilled a shot from close range only to have Lander keeper Ryan Peck make the stop.   

The match was even statistically, as it was in score. The Bearcats finished with 15 shots compared to 13 for the Lakers. Each team had five corner kicks. Clayton State keeper Padgett led the Lakers to their third straight shutout with eight saves, while Peck had two saves for Lander. 

With the win, the Lakers are 9-1-2 on the season and 3-1-1 in the Peach Belt, while Lander stands at 8-1-2 overall and 0-1-2 in the league. The Lakers will travel for its PBC finale against the University of North Florida on Saturday, while Lander will play at the University of South Carolina Upstate on Saturday.

##CCSU##

Clayton State men’s soccer climbs to
10th in national soccer poll

^{Morrow, GA --- October 12, 2004 --- After going 2-0 last week and knocking off two Peach Belt Conference foes, including 19th-ranked University of South Carolina Upstate, the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer has returned to the top-10 in the national rankings.}

^{The Lakers moved up to 10th in the national poll released on Tuesday by the NCAA Division II National Soccer Coaches Association of America, climbing three spots from 13th.}

^{Clayton State is 9-1-1 on the season and coming off a 2-0 victory Saturday over the University of South Carolina Aiken and a win 2-0 last Wednesday over Upstate. The Lakers only loss this season came at the hands of fourth-ranked University of North Carolina Pembroke.}

^{Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, hosting PBC opponent Lander University in a 4:30 p.m. match. The Laker women’s squad will face Lander in a 2 p.m. contest at Laker Field.}

^{In addition to Clayton State and Pembroke, USC Upstate remained in the poll at 19th. Lander, who was ranked 25th last week, dropped out of the rankings but is still receiving votes for the national poll.}

^{The Clayton State men’s team was last ranked in the top-10 of the national soccer poll in the 2002 season, and the Lakers rose as high as fourth in the country that year with a 7-0 record before devastating injuries to the team’s two leading scorers took their toll. Clayton State finished the 2001 season ranked 13th in the nation and the 2000 campaign 14th in the country.}

^##CCSU##

Morrow, GA --- October 11, 2004 --- Clayton College & State University junior forward Juan Trujillo scored three goals last week, leading the Lakers to a pair of Peach Belt Conference victories, and his play did not go unnoticed by the league office. 

Trujillo (Atlanta, GA) was named Monday the Peach Belt men’s soccer Player of the Week after leading the 13^th-ranked Lakers to a 2-0 win over 19^th- ranked University of South Carolina Upstate Wednesday and a 2-0 win over the University of South Carolina Aiken Saturday. 

He scored both of Clayton State’s goals against Upstate, as the Lakers defeated the Spartans for only the second time in Spartanburg, SC. Trujillo also scored a goal against USC Aiken, giving him a team-leading nine goals on the season. 

Clayton State is currently 9-1-1 on the season and one win shy of its best start in school history. The Lakers will shoot for their 10^th win of the season against another of the Peach Belt’s nationally ranked teams in Lander University. The match will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Laker Field. 

The Bearcats are currently ranked 25^th in the nation and will enter the match with an 8-1-1 record. Clayton State is 2-1 this season against Top-25 teams, defeating Queens University and Upstate and falling to the University of North Carolina Pembroke. 

After Wednesday’s match, the Lakers will hit the road for a Peach Belt Conference match against the University of North Florida on Saturday in Jacksonville, FL.

Morrow, GA – October 9, 2004 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team scored a goal in each half Saturday and then flexed its defensive muscles, en route to a 2-0 Peach Belt Conference victory over the University of South Carolina Aiken at Laker Field in Morrow, GA. 

Clayton State sophomore Todd Denson gave the Lakers the early lead 1-0 converting a penalty kick in the 23^rd minute after a foul in the Laker box. Denson beat USCA keeper Zac van Frank with a shot in the lower left of the net, scoring his fourth goal of the season.  

In the second half, the Lakers struck again off a set play from a free kick at the 51-minute mark. Junior Juan Trujillo drilled a shot in the upper right of the net past van Frank off passes from senior Shaun Baddock and senior Anthony Wright. The goal was Trujillo’s team leading ninth of the season.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 9-1-1 on the season and 3-1 in the conference, while USC Aiken falls to 5-5 on the season and 0-4 in the league. The Lakers will return to Peach Belt action on Wednesday, hosting #25 Lander University in a 4:30 p.m. match. USC Aiken will travel to Presbyterian College for a non-conference match on Tuesday.  

The Lakers took 15 shots and had three corner kicks compared to six shots and one corner kick for the Pacers. Sophomore keeper Heath Padgett and junior goalie Matt Sutton combined for the shutout, Clayton State’s fourth of the season. Padgett and Sutton each had one save apiece. Van Frank finished with five saves.  

Spartanburg, SC --- October 6, 2004 --- Clayton College & State University forward Juan Trujillo broke through the University of South Carolina Upstate defense twice on long runs, scoring both times, to lift the 13th-ranked Lakers to a 2-0 victory over 19th-ranked Upstate Wednesday night at the County University Soccer Stadium in Spartanburg, SC.  

Both teams battled through a decidedly physical match, countering each other early in the contest.  Trujillo was played a ball on Clayton State’s half of the field just before midfield, streaked past a USC Upstate defender, and faked out a charging USC Upstate keeper Terence McGee to fire a shot into the back of the net to give the Lakers a 1-0 lead in the 21st-minute. 

After the intermission, Trujillo gained control of the ball about 40 yards out from his goal, beat his defender and slid a shot by McGee in the 51st-minute to give Clayton State a 2-0 advantage and control of the match. The two goals give Trujillo a team-leading eight on the season. 

USC Upstate had three solid scoring chances in the final 20 minutes, but Clayton State goalkeeper Heath Padgett saved all three shots to preserve the shutout for the Lakers.  Padgett made seven saves as seven of USC Upstate’s 14 shots were on goal.  McGee recorded one save for the Spartans. 

USC Upstate out-shot Clayton State 14-7 for the match and had 11 corner kicks to the Lakers four.  However, the Clayton State defense stiffened each time it was put under pressure and the Lakers prevailed with the win. 

With the win, the Lakers improve to 8-1-1 on the season and 2-1 in the Peach Belt. The win was the second victory the season over a nationally-ranked squad, as Clayton State also defeated Queens University earlier this season when it was in the national poll. The loss drops USC-Upstate to 7-2 on the season and 1-1 in the Peach Belt.  

Clayton State will return to PBC action on Saturday, hosting the University of South Carolina-Aiken in a 1 p.m. match, while the Spartans will play at the University of North Florida.  

##CCSU##

Pembroke, NC --- September 25, 2004 --- In a match featuring the two highest-ranked Peach Belt Conference men’s soccer teams in the country, the fourth-ranked University of North Carolina Pembroke prevailed 1-0 Saturday over 13^th-ranked Clayton College & State University in Pembroke, NC.  

UNC Pembroke scored the lone goal of the match 23 minutes into play on an unassisted shot by Graeme Little from 20 yards out. 

“We have nothing to be ashamed about, we played well,” said first year head coach Pete Petersen. “UNC Pembroke is an excellent team. It could have gone either way. I thought they had better looks in the first half, and we came back and had better shots in the second.”  

The match was almost even in shots, as UNC Pembroke finished with 12 shots compared to Clayton State’s 11. The Lakers had four corner kicks to the Braves’ one. Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett finished with four saves, while UNCP goalie Richard Sallin had three.  

The loss drops the Lakers to 7-1-1 on the year and 1-1 in the Peach Belt.  Clayton State will return to action next Saturday, October 2^nd, traveling to face another nationally ranked Peach Belt foe in 25^th-ranked the University of South Carolina Upstate in a 7 p.m. match. UNC Pembroke improves to 6-1 on the season with the win and 2-0 in the Peach Belt.

  ##CCSU##

Morrow, GA --- September 21, 2004 --- ^{With two more wins last week, the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team soared seven spots in the NCAA Division II National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.}

The Lakers are 13th in the poll released Tuesday after climbing to 20th in the rankings last week. Clayton State defeated Pfeiffer University 5-1 and Francis Marion University 2-1 in games last week to improve to 6-0-1 on the season. CCSU has won six straight matches after tying Belmont Abbey College 1-1 in the season opener.

Clayton State’s men’s team will shoot for its seventh straight win on Wednesday, traveling to play North Greenville College in a 4 p.m. contest. Clayton State will get its stiffest test of the season on Saturday, returning to Peach Belt Conference action against the University of North Carolina Pembroke. UNC Pembroke is undefeated and currently ranked fourth in the nation with a 4-0 record. The match will begin at 1 p.m. in Pembroke, N.C.

In addition to Clayton State and UNCP, two other PBC schools in the top-25 are Lander University and the University of South Carolina Upstate. Lander dropped from 12th to 22nd in the poll after falling 5-2 to UNC Pembroke on Saturday. Defending PBC champion USC Upstate is 25th in the poll with a 4-1 record on the season.

The Clayton State men’s team was last ranked in the national soccer poll in the 2002 season, and the Lakers rose as high as fourth in the country that year with a 7-0 record before devastating injuries to the team’s two leading scorers took their toll. Clayton State finished the 2001 season ranked 13th in the nation and the 2000 campaign 14th in the country.

##CCSU##

Two quick goals propel #20 Clayton State past
Francis Marion 2-1 in men’s soccer action 

Morrow, GA --- September 19, 2004 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team struck for two lightning quick goals and held on down the stretch to capture its sixth win of the season Sunday, defeating Peach Belt Conference opponent Francis Marion University 2-1 at Laker Field.  

Clayton State got off to quick start, scoring its first goal less than two minutes into the match. Junior forward Juan Trujillo beat a defender and pocketed a shot from five yards out in the lower left of the goal, his fourth score of the season. The play was setup off a pass from senior Richard Morton from five yards out.  

The Lakers added another goal 10 minutes later as sophomore Andre Rall scored from seven yards out with a shot in the upper right of the goal off a pass from senior Anthony Wright. Rall’s goal was also his fourth of the year and tied him with Trujillo for the team lead in the category.  

Francis Marion cut the deficit to 2-1 at the 69-minute mark as junior Mike Greenaway scored off a pass from senior Charlie Mitchell but that was as close as the Patriots would come. 

 With the win, the Lakers improve to 6-0-1 on the season and 1-0 in Peach Belt Conference action. Francis Marion drops to 2-5 on the year and 0-1 in the conference. Clayton State will return to action on Wednesday, traveling to face non-conference opponent North Greenville College, while FMU will play at Mt. Olive College on Wednesday.  

Clayton State controlled much of Sunday’s match, taking 16 shots compared to 10 for the Patriots. The Lakers also finished with eight corner kicks to FMU’s five. Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett finished with five saves and lowered his goals against average to .92 on the season, while FMU keeper Jonathan Runion closed with eight saves.  

##CCSU##

#20 Clayton State men’s soccer cruise to 5-1 win
over Pfeiffer Tues.; to host Francis Marion Sat.

 Misenheimer, NC --- September 14, 2004 --- Tied 1-1 at intermission, the 20^th ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team exploded for four second half goals to cruise to a 5-1 victory Tuesday over Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, N.C. 

With the win, the Lakers improve to 5-0-1 on the season. Clayton State will return to action Saturday, opening its Peach Belt Conference schedule against Francis Marion University in a 1 p.m. match.  

Junior Juan Trujillo started the second half scoring frenzy in the 66^th minute of play to give the Lakers a 2-1 lead, scoring off an assist from senior Richard Morton.  

The Lakers pushed their lead to 3-1 two minutes later, as senior Anthony Wright scored off an assist from Trujillo. Freshman B.J. Livingston gave the squad a 4-1 lead with a goal in the 75^th minute off an assist from sophomore Andre Rall, followed by sophomore Steve Weston getting into the scoring act in the 86^th minute off an assist from junior Scott LeClerc.  

Pfeiffer jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first half only to have the Lakers knot the score at 1-1 in the 40^th minute off goal from Rall. A free kick by senior Shaun Baddock, followed by flick from Drew Smith set up the scoring play.  

##CCSU##

Clayton State men’s soccer climbs three spots in national rankings to 20th; women’s squad receives votes 

Morrow, GA --- September 14, 2004 --- With two wins last week, the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team climbed three spots in the NCAA Division II National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.  

The Lakers are 20^th in the poll released Tuesday after entering the rankings last week in the 23^rd spot.  Clayton State defeated the Savannah College of Art and Design 2-0 and Reinhardt College 5-1 last week to improve to 4-0-1 on the season.  

Clayton State’s women’s squad has not climbed into the national rankings as of yet, but for the first time in school history, the program is one of five schools that received votes for top-25 poll. The Laker women are coming off a 3-2 loss on Monday, dropping their record to 4-1 on the season.  

Clayton State’s men’s team will return to action today (Tuesday, September 14), traveling to face Pfeiffer University in a 4 p.m. match. Both the men’s and women’s teams will play on Saturday, opening their Peach Belt Conference schedules against Francis Marion University. The men’s match will begin at 1 p.m., followed by the women’s game at 3:30 p.m.   

In addition Clayton State, there are two other PBC men’s schools in the poll with the University of North Carolina Pembroke ranked fifth and Lander University at 12^th. The Clayton State women are the only PBC school in the national rankings.  

The Clayton State men’s team was last ranked in the national soccer poll in the 2002 season, and the Lakers rose as high as fourth in the country that year with a 7-0 record before devastating injuries to the team’s two leading scorers took their toll. Clayton State finished the 2001 season ranked 13^th in the nation and the 2000 campaign 14^th in the country.  

##CCSU##

Three goals in three minutes leads #23 Clayton State to 5-1 victory over Reinhardt Saturday  

Morrow, GA --- September 11, 2004 --- Leading 1-0 in the second half, the #23-ranked Clayton College & State University men’s soccer exploded for three goals in three minutes to cruise to a 5-1 victory Saturday over Reinhardt College at Laker Field.  

CCSU broke the match open 15 minutes into the second half, scoring three goals in three minutes. Sophomore Andre Rall got the first one, heading in a goal off a cross from senior Shaun Baddock.  

The Lakers extended their lead to 3-0 two minutes later, as sophomore Todd Denson converted a penalty kick after a Reinhardt player was red carded after a hard tackle in the Clayton State box. CCSU extended its lead to 4-0 a minute later as senior David Dowling drilled a shot from 25 yards out off another assist from Baddock.  

With the win, the Lakers improve to 4-0-1 on the season and will return to action on Tuesday, traveling to face Pfeiffer University in a 4 p.m. match in Misenheimer, NC. Clayton State’s next home match will be its Peach Belt Conference opener, hosting Francis Marion University in a 1 p.m. match.  

After Reinhardt’s Noah Rich scored in the 75^th minute to cut the deficit to 4-1, Clayton State added one final goal on a header from freshman Jay Minnich. The play was setup off a cross from freshman B.J. Livingston.  

Clayton State jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 28^th minute of the match on a goal by Juan Trujillo. He corralled a long punt from keeper Heath Padgett and beat the keeper on a shot. Neither team scored for the next 18 minutes, and the Lakers went into intermission with a 1-0 lead. 

The Lakers outshot Reinhardt 19-10 and had seven corner kicks compared to only four for the Eagles. Clayton State sophomore Heath Padgett and junior Matt Sutton spilt halves in goal with Padgett coming up with four saves and Sutton one. Reinhardt keeper Mike Carter had six saves.

#23 Clayton State swarms former coach John Rootes’ SCAD Bees 2-0; Lakers improve to 3-0-1 on season

Morrow, GA --- September 10, 2004 --- Former Clayton College & State University men’s soccer coach John Rootes made his first return to his old stomping grounds at CCSU Friday, and his old Laker team greeted him with a defeat.  

Clayton State, led by first-year head coach Pete Petersen, swarmed Rootes’ Savannah College of Arts & Design Bees 2-0 at Laker Field. Rootes coached at Clayton State for six years (1998-2003) and led the Lakers to a Peach Belt Conference championship, two NCAA Division II national tournaments and a 69-38-9 record. 

The 23^rd-ranked Lakers improved to 3-0-1 on the season with the victory, while the SCAD squad dropped their second straight, falling to 3-2 on the year. The Lakers will jump right back into action on Saturday, hosting Reinhardt College in a match, beginning at 2 p.m. The Bees will play Saturday at Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL, beginning at 7 p.m.   

Clayton State struck quickly Friday, as senior Anthony Wright scored his second goal of the season off an assist from junior Juan Trujillo nine minutes in the match. Wright took a cross from Trujillo and his shot from 12 yards skidded off keeper Sam Wolfgram’s hands and into the net.  

Neither team scored for the next 62 minutes until sophomore Andre Rall headed in a shot to give the Lakers some insurance in the closing minutes. The goal was setup on a cross from senior David Dowling.  

The Lakers controlled much the match and outshot the Bees 18-13 and took three corner kicks compared to SCAD’s two. Sophomore keeper Heath Padgett had five saves in the match and recorded his first shutout of the season. SCAD goalie Wolfgram had eight saves in the match.  

##CCSU##

Clayton State men’s soccer returns 
to national rankings, ranked 23^rd in NSCAA poll

 Morrow, GA --- September 8, 2004 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team has returned to the ranks of the NCAA Division II National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.  

The Lakers are ranked 23^rd in the country in the poll released Tuesday after opening the season with a 2-0-1 record. Clayton State’s top win so far this season came against Queens University, a team that was ranked 24^th in the country in the preseason poll. 

In addition to Clayton State, there are two other Peach Belt Conference schools in the poll with the University of North Carolina Pembroke ranked  eighth and Lander University at 14^th.  

Clayton State was last ranked in the national soccer poll in the 2002 season, and the Lakers rose as high as fourth in the country that year with a 7-0 record before devastating injuries to the team’s two leading scorers took their toll. Clayton State finished the 2001 season ranked 13^th in the nation and the 2000 campaign 14^th in the country.  

CCSU will return to action on Friday, hosting the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD). The match will be played on the campus of Clayton State, beginning at 1 p.m.   

The SCAD match will be an interesting one, as it will mark the return of former head coach John Rootes, who is now coaching at the NAIA school in Savannah, GA. Coach Rootes led the Lakers to a Peach Belt Conference championship, two NCAA Division II national tournaments and a 69-38-9 record in the last six seasons.  

After Friday’s men’s match against SCAD, the Clayton State women’s team, boasting a 3-0 mark, will host Rollins College in a 3 p.m. contest.  

##CCSU##

Clayton State men’s soccer match versus SCAD 
scheduled for Wed. postponed until Friday 

Morrow, GA --- September 7, 2004 --- Due to heavy rains today and the threat of more to come on Wednesday, the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer match scheduled for Wednesday, September 8 has been postponed until Friday, September 10 at 1 p.m.  

The Lakers were scheduled to have played the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) on Wednesday at the Norcross Youth Association fields in Norcross, GA. The match will now be played on the campus of Clayton State, beginning at 1 p.m.   

The SCAD match will be an interesting one, as it will mark the return of former head coach John Rootes, who is now coaching at the NAIA school in Savannah, GA. Coach Rootes led the Lakers to a Peach Belt Conference championship, two NCAA Division II national tournaments and a 69-38-9 record in six seasons.  

Under the leadership of new head coach Pete Petersen, the Lakers have opened the 2004 season with an impressive 2-0-1 record, including a 2-1 victory over the nation’s 24^th ranked team in Queens University.  

After Friday’s men’s match against SCAD, the Clayton State women’s team, boasting a 3-0 mark, will host Rollins College in a 3 p.m. contest.  

##CCSU##

Lakers remain undefeated with 3-2 win over North Georgia Thurs.; to host SCAD in Norcross on Wed.

 Gainesville, GA --- September 2, 2004 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team remained undefeated on the season Thursday, downing North Georgia College & State University 3-2 at the Allen Creek Soccer Complex in Gainesville, GA.  

Clayton State senior David Dowling scored the game-winning goal in the 62^nd minute of the second half off an assist from senior Shaun Baddock. Dowling took a pass from Baddock and broke away from the defense, beating the keeper with a shot in the upper right of the net.  

Dowling’s goal gave the Lakers a 3-1 lead. North Georgia came back nine minutes later to cut the deficit to one goal, 3-2, after a header from Calvin Cook with 20 minutes remaining in the match. Clayton State held on down the stretch to pull out the victory.  

The win improves Clayton State to 2-0-1 on the season. The Lakers will return to action on Wednesday, hosting former coach John Rootes’ Savannah College of Arts and Design team. The match will be played at the Norcross Youth Association fields at 7 p.m. in Norcross, GA.  

Clayton State sophomore Todd Denson got the Lakers off to a good start on Thursday, heading a shot in goal six minutes into the match off a cross from sophomore Andre Rall. North Georgia’s Ciro Pellicia answered with a goal six minutes later to knot the score at 1-1.  

The Lakers came right back a minute later to retake the lead, as senior Richard Morton drilled a shot from 20 yards out in the upper left of the net. Clayton State led 2-1 at intermission. 

  Both Clayton State and North Georgia finished with 10 shots in the game. The Lakers had four corner kicks compared to three for the Saints. Clayton State sophomore keeper Heath Padgett had four saves.  

##CCSU##

Morton’s game winner lifts Clayton State to 2-1 win over Queens; North Florida downs Belmont Abbey 1-0 in Laker Soccer Shootout 

MORROW, GA --- August 29, 2004 --- Senior Richard Morton’s laser beam from 15 yards out was the difference Sunday, as the Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team downed regional opponent Queens University 2-1 in the Laker Soccer Shootout at Clayton State.   

Morton rifled a shot past the outstretched hands of Queens keeper Bruce Mottern in the 64^th minute of the match for the game winner. A Todd Denson pass and a flick by Juan Trujillo set up the play. Clayton State held on for the final 35 minutes with neither team having a serious threat on goal.  

The win improves Clayton State 1-0-1 on the season, while Queens, the defending CVAC champion and one of the top teams in Clayton State’s Southeast Region, drops to 1-1 on the year. The Lakers will return to action on Thursday, traveling to face North Georgia College & State University in a 7 p.m. match.  

Queens jumped out to an early lead in the match with a goal from Kenny Epps 17 minutes into match. The play was setup off a corner kick from Oliver Carias and Eric Blevens. The Lakers answered four minutes later with a goal by Trujillo at the 21-minute mark off an assist from Morton.  

The Royals of Queens took 19 shots compared to only 12 for the Lakers and had eight corner kicks compared to only five for CCSU. Clayton State keeper Heath Padgett finished with six saves, while Queens goalie Bruce Mottern had three.  

 BELMONT ABBEY VS. NORTH FLORIDA 

In the other match of the day, the University of North Florida bounced back from a 3-0 loss to Queens on Saturday to defeat Belmont Abbey 1-0 Sunday in the tournament. 

North Florida’s Martin Pettersson scored the game winner in the 40^th minute with a shot over Belmont Abbey keeper Sean O’Connor. Pettersson won a race to a loose ball and pitched it over the keeper’s head and into the goal from 18 yards out. North Florida’s Mark Sergio was credited with the assist on the play.  

The Ospreys controlled play throughout the match, outshooting Belmont Abbey 23-10 and had six corner kicks compared to only two for the Crusaders. O’Connor finished the match with 11 saves, while Osprey keeper Scott Ballon had five.  

With the win, North Florida improves to 1-1 on the season and Belmont Abbey drops to 0-1-1 on the year. 

 Clayton State battles to 1-1 tie in season-opener; 
Queens wins 3-0 in first game of Laker Soccer Shootout 

MORROW, GA --- August 28, 2004 --- The Clayton College & State University men’s soccer team scored on its first shot of the season but was unable to muster up any more offense, battling to 1-1 double overtime tie in its season opener against Belmont Abbey in the Laker Soccer Shootout Saturday. 

Clayton State senior Anthony Wright drilled a shot from seven yards out in the upper left of the net past the outstretched arms of Belmont Abbey keeper Sean O’Connor for the goal 11 minutes into the match. Wright took a pass from fellow senior David Dowling on the play.  

The Lakers had a chance to add another score three minutes later but was unable to convert on the first of two penalty kicks. Belmont Abbey keeper O’Connor made a sliding save on the attempt by Wright.  

The match went scoreless for more than sixty minutes until Belmont Abbey’s Nick Wyatt converted a penalty kick after a foul in the Laker box to knot the score a 1-1 with 16 minutes remaining in the match.  

The Lakers had another scoring opportunity three minutes into the first overtime on another penalty kick, but once again, Crusader keeper O’Connor rose to the occasion stopping a shot by Dowling with a diving save. Niether team had a serious threat on goal for the remainder of the first overtime and in the second overtime period, as the match ended in a deadlock.  

Clayton State controlled much of the match, taking 25 shots compared to only eight by Belmont Abbey. O’Connor was the difference for the Crusaders, as he finished with 10 saves, including the two stops on penalty kicks.  

The match was a physical one with the Lakers carded for 19 fouls and Belmont Abbey with 11. Three red cards and seven yellow cards were issued in the match.  

The Lakers will return to action on Sunday, facing Queens College in a 5 p.m. match, while Belmont Abbey will play North Florida at 3 p.m. on Sunday.  

QUEENS VS. NORTH FLORIDA 

In the other match on Saturday, Queens defeated Peach Belt Conference rival North Florida 3-0, exploding for three second half goals.  

After a scoreless first half, Queens’ Simon Wulliman put the Royals on the board 10 minutes into the second half with a goal off assists from Oliver Carias and Demetruis Donald.  

The Royals (1-0) padded their lead three minutes later on the first of two goals by Donald. He took a pass from Wulliman on a breakaway play and beat the keeper for the score. Donald added a little insurance late in the contest on a goal off an assist from John Ross with six minutes remaining in the match.  

North Florida (0-1) controlled much of the first half but was unable finish off a score on several opportunities. UNF took eight shots in the first half and did not allow a shot to the Royals. North Florida outshot Queens 15-12 for the match.  

Queens keeper Bruce Mottern finished with eight saves compared to four for UNF keeper Scott Ballon.  

##CCSU##

Clayton State soccer teams to kick off season Saturday; Laker men to host Soccer Shootout over the weekend 

Morrow, GA --- August 27, 2004 --- Fall is looming behind the clouds at Clayton College & State University, and college students are preparing to weather the storms of term papers, exams, and homework for another semester.  Along with the promise of cooler weather, autumn also marks the beginning of another season of NCAA Division II men’s and women’s soccer. 

The Clayton State Lakers are ready to drop kick their way into the fall season, hosting the Laker Soccer Shootout on August 28-29 at Laker Field.  The field of competition will include the University of North Florida (UNF), one of the Lakers’ Peach Belt Conference rivals, Queens College and Belmont Abbey College, two of the Carolinas Virginia Athletic Conference’s (CVAC) premier teams.   

CCSU’s women’s squad will also kick off its season on Saturday, traveling to face the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, AL. The women’s team will open its home slate of games on Sunday, September 5, hosting Presbyterian College in a 2 p.m. match.  

 The weather may be cooling off, but the men’s Laker Soccer Shootout is guaranteed to heat things up. The action will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 28^th, as the UNF Ospreys square off against the Queens College Royals.  The Lakers will follow at 5 p.m. taking on the Belmont Abbey Crusaders.  Sunday’s games will feature UNF facing Belmont Abbey and the Lakers battling the Royals at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.   

While they will not face each other in the Shootout, the Lakers will get their first look at the UNF Ospreys.  The Lakers blanked UNF in the first round of last year’s Peach Belt Conference Tournament 3-0.  Head coach Ray Bunch’s Ospreys finished the 2003 season with an 8-8-1 record and tied with Clayton State and Lander for third place in the league.  Junior forward Victor Duncan, named to the 2003 All Peach Belt Conference team, will lead the Ospreys into the season-opening tournament.  

Clayton State, coming off an 11-6-1 mark last season, will have its hands full competing against two of the CVAC’s premier teams.  Queens College’s Fred Norchi, head coach of the two-time defending champion Royals, has led his program to a 150-59-10 record over a stellar career, in which he has been awarded the title of NCAA Division II Southeast Region Coach of the Year three times. The Royals finished last season with a 14-0-2 mark and will be led by junior midfielder Oliver Carias the 2003 CVAC Player of the Year.  

Belmont Abbey head coach Charles Morrow looks to improve upon last years solid 10-7-4 record.  The Crusaders return six starters, including goalkeeping standout Sean O’Connor, who led the CVAC in saves and games played and posted seven shutouts to earn CVAC Honorable Mention honors.  Also returning will be senior B.J. O’Brien, who redshirted last season due to injury but is a two-time All CVAC Performer and a first team All-Southeast Region sweeper. 

Head Coach Pete Petersen will begin his first season manning the controls of Laker soccer program, but don’t worry Laker fans; Petersen has a wealth of experience in soccer.  His recent accolades include serving as the Director of Coaching at the Norcross Soccer Association and a term as president of the Atlanta Silverbacks in the A-League.  Coach Peterson also won a NJCAA national championship in 1994 as the head coach of the men’s soccer program at Spartanburg Methodist College.   

The Lakers have compiled a 52-17-9 record over the past four years and will return sophomore All-Region defender Andre Rall, whose play in 2003 earned him the title of PBC Freshman of the Year. Captain Shaun Baddock, the program’s third all-time leading scorer, Anthony Wright, last year’s second leading scorer and David Dowling, a two-time All-PBC forward, will provide the squad a wealth of senior leadership.  

In addition, two-year starters Alex Dowling and Scott LeClerc, defender Steve Weston and keeper Heath Padgett return for the team. The Lakers will also be welcoming several talented newcomers in rmidfielder Richard Morton of Scotland, forward Juan T