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American Named Preseason Favorite in Patriot League
Coaches Tab Eagles to Capture League Crown in First Season

August 27, 2001

Michael Behonick returns to solidify AU's defense this season. The Eagles were tabbed as the preseason favorite to win the Patriot League title.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Entering its first season as a full member of the Patriot League, the American University men's soccer team was named the preseason league favorite as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. The vote was conducted among coaches and sports information directors at each of the eight member institutions with American capturing nine of a possible 16 first-place votes.

American opens its 2001 campaign on Friday, August 31, when it takes part in the second-annual DC College Cup, hosted by Georgetown University.

The Eagles will square off with the cross-town rival Hoyas at 2:30 p.m., following the George Washington-Howard matchup at 12:00 p.m. The two winners will meet in the championship game on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., while the consolation match will be played at 12:00 p.m..

Second-year head coach Todd West leads American into its first season of competition as a member of the Patriot League in 2001. He welcomes back nine starters and 16 letterwinners from last year's squad. Included in that group is junior Kris Bertsch who led American in scoring last year with 18 points on eight goals and two assists.

"We are honored by our selection as the preseason favorite in the Patriot League," commented West. "Still, it is going to be a tough road, and we know that each and every game will be a true test. This is a quality conference in which every team has a legitimate chance to win the title."

American University, founded in 1893, fields a 19-sport NCAA Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men. American became a full member of the Patriot League on July 1.

AU's men's soccer program will compete in its first-ever Patriot League match on Saturday, September 15, when it hosts Army at Reeves Field at 2:00 p.m.

2001 Patriot League Preseason Men's Soccer Poll

(#) indicates number of first-place votes