Hattiesburg, MS- Last season Carey men's soccer ended an eight year drought by making their eighth NAIA national tournament appearance in school history. The 2009 Crusaders claimed a share of the GCAC title for the third straight year and finished the season ranked ninth in the final NAIA poll.  With the success of last season there is eager anticipation for the 2010 season.

Boulton returns seven starters led by two-time All-American Carl Reynolds, GCAC Player of the Year Reece Wilson plus starting defenders Mitchell Barker, Joseph McNeill, and Jonny Fairbairn from last season's team that posted a 13-4-3 record. Boulton also returns Rob Rogers, Jasper Pykkola, Chris Wood, Orane Swaby, Brendan Connolly, Elliot Dyke, Rory Lynch, and Ryan Weir

"We have a solid base to work from with the consistency of our returning players. We just need to plug in the newcomers and expand their role as the season progresses," said Boulton.

With the core returning from last season's team, Boulton will look to replace three critical players gone by way of graduation in midfielder Tito Salas, keeper Sean Mapson, and defender Rick Beebe.
Carl Goody will look to fill the void left by Mapson between the pipes. Goody sat out last season but has made six starts during his career with the Crusaders posting a 4-2 record. Also vying for a spot in goal are freshman JC Intriago Carrion, Eleftherios Lazaridis, and Daniel Snider.

"Carl Goody has been patient and understanding of his role here. He now owns the position and I'm confident he will step up despite the pressure from three incoming freshmen."

Other newcomers for 2010 are Ramario Blandon, Julio Espinosa, Dillon Zehner, Jordan Hamilton, Johnathan Rey, Chris Dolan, Jose Presti, Matheus Saroli, Jo Forstpointer, Paco Navarro, and Alex Mallion.

"You can never truly know what to expect with so many newcomers. Obviously we are looking for a couple of them to emerge as contenders and an immediate replacement for Tito (Salas). Time will tell but we are hopeful. This is looking like a good incoming class."

The Crusaders will open the 2010 season ranked 19th in the Coaches' Preseason Top 25. Four Crusader opponents joined WCU in the Top 25 led by defending national champion Lindsey Wilson College in the top spot. Last season the Crusaders downed the Blue Raiders 3-2. WCU will take on Lindsey Wilson on September 18th in Decatur, AL. Other Carey opponents ranked in the Top 25 are SSAC rivals No. 9 Southern Poly and No. 17 Auburn University Montgomery. The Crusaders will also take on No. 16 UT-Brownsville on September 3rd.

Carey will close the 2010 season with five SSAC Western division matchups against Faulkner University (10/12), University of Mobile (10/19), AUM (10/23), Spring Hill College (10/26), and Belhaven University (10/30).

"The SSAC is about as strong as it gets. There will be no easy games in the Western Division and the cross division match-ups are just as tough (No. 9 Southern Poly and Lee University ). One thing is for sure, whoever comes out of this conference headed for nationals will have an exceptional chance of going all the way (to the final)," said Boulton

The Crusaders open the season at home against Mid-Continent College on August 27th. Kick-off is set for 7:00 pm