SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- The Southern Conference men’s soccer coaches have selected UNC Greensboro to win the 2006 regular season championship.  The coaches also selected 11 players to the preseason all-league team, including 10 returning all-conference picks from 2005.

The Spartans garnered seven of the eight available first place votes to grab the top spot on the poll. Davidson finished second in the voting, followed closely by Elon, which received the only other first-place vote. Furman was selected fourth with College of Charleston only four points behind the Paladins at fifth. Appalachian State, Wofford and Georgia Southern round out the poll.

The men’s soccer coaches also announced the preseason all-conference team. UNC Greensboro led the conference for the third straight season by placing four players on the team, including reigning Player of the Year Randi Patterson at forward. Patterson was joined on the preseason team by fellow forward Henning Jonasson, midfielder Scott Jones and defender David Worthen. Patterson, Jones and Worthen were first team all-conference selections in 2005.

Elon had three players selected to the preseason team, led by KiKi Willis, the 2005 Freshman of the Year and a first team all-conference selection during his rookie season. Goalkeeper Taylor Saxe was also named to the preseason team after the coaches tabbed him a second team all-conference in 2005. Returning all-conference midfielder Junior Nombre was also named a preseason all-conference honoree.

Furman, Davidson and College of Charleston all had returning all-conference players selected for preseason honors. Paladin defender Jon Leathers and midfielder Dominic Cianciarulo both return as all-conference selections from 2005. College of Charleston forward Jeremy Gold and Davidson midfielder Cass Baltz round out the preseason squad.

Southern Conference men’s soccer begins on Friday, August 25 when the College of Charleston takes on Georgia State in Atlanta, Ga., at 4:00 p.m. The first conference game is scheduled for Friday, September 1 when Davidson travels to Elon for a 7:00 p.m. match.

2006 Men's Soccer Preseason Poll