Lakers open 2007 men’s soccer season with Laker Shootout
Clayton State welcomes North Georgia, Belmont Abbey, Anderson for weekend tilt

MORROW, Ga. – August 30, 2007 – They’ve had to wait a week, but the Clayton State Lakers finally kick off the 2007 men’s soccer season this weekend with the fourth annual Laker Shootout at Laker Field.

Clayton State welcomes Peach Belt Conference rival North Georgia and Conference Carolina members Belmont Abbey and Anderson for the weekend tilt. Clayton State was originally scheduled to open its season last Friday (Aug. 24) against Tampa, but that game was cancelled due to inclement weather.

The schedule is set for Friday as North Georgia battles Anderson at 5 p.m., followed by Clayton State against Belmont Abbey at 7:30 p.m. Saturday’s schedule pits North Georgia against Belmont Abbey at 5 p.m., followed by Clayton State against Anderson at 7:30 p.m.

Clayton State is 4-1-1 overall in Laker Shootout play. Last season, Clayton State opened the Shootout with a tough 3-2 defeat against Lees-McRae, but rebounded to knock off nationally-ranked Queens 2-1 in overtime. The Lakers will be squaring off for the third time against Belmont Abbey in the Laker Shootout, while Anderson is making its first ever appearance in the Laker Shootout.

For Clayton State and head coach Pete Petersen, the Lakers return six starters from last season. Senior midfielder Hailab Habtom headlines the returning players after leading Clayton State in scoring last season with 10 goals and 11 assists for 31 points. Habtom, who was selected both All-Peach Belt Conference and All-Southeast Region, led the Peach Belt in assists and also ranked 10th in the nation in assists.

In addition to Habtom, senior Tonny Madegwa is the Lakers’ big scoring threat up front at forward, while two-time All-Peach Belt player Johnny Lara and senior Dean Gilewicz both patrol the midfield. On defense, senior Danny English and junior Jordan Gilbert are both returning starters. Also back after missing last season with an injury is senior team captain Jarrid Nicholson in the midfield.

Amongst the newcomers to Clayton State include senior defender Karl Haggon, a transfer from Division I Marshall, along with freshman defender Brett Neilsen from South Africa, freshman midfielder Marijan Babic from Frankfurt, Ger., and freshman forward Jamal Geathers, the 2005 South Carolina High School Player of the Year and member of the U.S. National Team player pool.