Lesko and Watson Tabbed Preseason All-PBC

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Two University of South Carolina Aiken men's soccer players were tabbed to the 2009 Peach Belt Conference Preseason All-Conference team when it was released from the league office on Thursday, Aug. 20. John Lesko and Troy Watson were both chosen to the team.

The team was selected by the league's head coaches and, due to a tie at midfielder, features 12 players. Lander led the way with four players on the team while Clayton State, North Georgia, USC Aiken and defending PBC Champions Francis Marion had two each.

Watson was named to the 2008 PBC All-Tournament team for USC Aiken. A junior midfielder, Watson scored three goals with a pair of assists for the Pacers, including a goal in the Pacers' upset win over Clayton State in the PBC Tournament.

John Lesko was named All-Conference and All-Tournament for the Pacers in 2008. He scored twice with one assist from his defensive position. He was named the team's most valuable player.

Behind these two players, a talented returning core and some strong newcomers, the USC Aiken men's soccer program is hoping to make the 2009 season one of the best in program history as USC Aiken 14th-year head coach Ike Ofoje has high expectations for his 2009 Pacer squad.

"I feel that we underachieved a little last year," remarked Ofoje. "I am hoping that this year will be a little different and be our year. We have the pieces in place and right now everyone has the right mindset and is buying into our system."

USC Aiken concluded the 2008 regular season with a 5-11-1 record. Last year's squad upset second-seeded Clayton State in the PBC Tournament quarterfinals to advance to the PBC Tournament semifinals where they eventually bowed out to Lander.

USC Aiken begins their 2009 campaign at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29 in Mount Olive, N.C. against Conference Carolinas foe Mount Olive. The Pacers will be looking to extend their two-match winning streak over the Trojans. USC Aiken overall owns an 8-2-1 overall record over the Trojans.

The Pacers will play their first home match of the 2009 season and begin a four-game homestand in their next outing against Sunshine State power Lynn at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. Lynn, who concluded last season ranked eighth in NCAA Division II, is a national powerhouse that is coached by John Rootes, who mentored Ofoje in college at Southern New Hampshire University. The two led the Penmen to the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1989. 

2009 Peach Belt Conference

Men's Soccer Preseason All-Conference Team

Forwards

Adam Arthur, Lander

Aaron Brittain, Lander

Kyle Clinton, Francis Marion

Leighton Fredericks, Clayton State

Goalkeeper

Rade Tanaskovic, North Georgia

Midfielders

Jamie Davidson, Lander

Ivan Juric, Francis Marion

Kyle Timm, Clayton State

Troy Watson, USC Aiken

Defenders

Ben Chedgy, North Georgia

Jamie Ramm, Lander

 John Lesko, USC Aiken