Eagles Picked Seventh in Preseason Poll, Host Winthrop on Sunday

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STATESBORO, Ga. – A year after pulling an upset over second-seeded UNCG in the SoCon Women’s Soccer Tournament, the Eagle women’s soccer team has been picked seventh in the league’s preseason coaches’ poll. The 2011 Eagles posted a 7-11-2 overall record with a 4-6-1 mark in league play. The first chance for fans to see the 2012 Eagles take the field is on Sunday against Winthrop at Eagle Field in an exhibition match starting at 4 p.m.

The Eagles return their two top goalscorers from the 2011 campaign. Courtney Collins, now a senior, scored eight times last year with an assist. Two of her goals, tallied against South Carolina State and The Citadel, were game-winning efforts.

Alex Murphy scored six goals a year ago and finished one of the most memorable moments of the season. Her goal in the final second against Appalachian State gave the Eagles a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Mountaineers at Eagle Field.

Last year goalkeeper Katie Merson led the Georgia Southern defense, posting a 1.37 goals against average in 17 matches between the pipes. The anchor for the Eagles’ back line was senior Zoe Van Gorder who joined the Eagles after two seasons at Utah.

The 2012 Eagles also feature a crop of 21 freshmen from across the country.

Following Sunday’s exhibition match, the Eagles will have a week before opening the 2012 regular season on the road against Stetson. The Eagles first home matches of the year are on August 24th and 26th against Gardner-Webb and High Point from Eagle Field.

2012 Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Fans can follow their Eagles at GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com or receive short updates at facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics or on Google+ at gplus.to/GSAthletics.

Category: Women's Soccer

Published on Sunday, 31 December 1899 19:00