Loretto, Pa. (Aug. 13, 2008) – The Saint Francis men’s soccer team was picked to finish fifth overall in the Northeast Conference in a poll released today.  They received one first place vote, while Monmouth, who has won the last three NEC titles took the top spot with six first place votes.  Other schools receiving votes were CCSU, Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac.

After heartbreaking losses in the NEC tournament to Monmouth in 2006 and CCSU in 2007, head coach Mike Casper will look to build upon the success his team has had in recent years.  The Red Flash has had a pair of second place regular season finishes and a combined 12-3-3 record against NEC opposition the last two seasons.  Renown for its stingy defense, Casper will be forced to replace two of the league’s best stoppers in Bryan Maguire and Bryce Leutzen.  

The Red Flash return senior netminder Brad Williams (San Lorenzo, Ca./Arroyo), who paced the NEC with eight shutouts and registered a 1.01 goals against average in 2007.  Four-time all-NEC pick Jarron Brooks was also lost to graduation, so Saint Francis will continue to build around a pair of New Zealand natives.  Sophomore forward Patrick Fleming (Danedia, New Zealand/Bayfield) led the Red Flash with 13 points and tied junior midfielder/defender Daniel Moir (Christchurch, New Zealand/Shirley Boys) for team goal scoring honors with five tallies.  

The Red Flash open the 2008 season on August 29 at Michigan State.