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AU Picked Third in PL Women’s Soccer Poll
American One of Four Teams to Receive First-Place Votes

Aug. 23, 2002

Head Coach Mike Brady's Eagles were selected third in the Patriot League preseason poll.

WASHINGTON — Coaches and sports information directors selected the American University women’s soccer team to finish third in the 2002 Patriot League preseason poll, making AU one of four teams to receive first-place votes.

“We’re delighted to earn respect from around the league,” said Head Coach Mike Brady. “We hope that our youthfulness will not hold us back.”

Navy was given seven first-place votes and was ranked first, followed by Bucknell, American and Army, which all earned three first-place votes.

The Eagles finished third during the regular season in 2001 with a 4-2-1 league record and a 7-7-3 overall record with a 2-1 loss to Bucknell in a Patriot League semifinal.

American has eight freshmen on the 2002 squad and added a key transfer in junior Savannah Rennels (Rector Area, Pa./Latroba /Bucknell), who was an All-Patriot League First-Team selection with the Bucknell last season. Rennels led her team in scoring with 12 goals and one assist.

Freshman Simone Konig (Gartringen/School of Economics in Boblingen) has already made her mark with the Eagles, scoring in Wednesday’s 1-1 exhibition tie with Loyola College at Reeves Field.

Sophomore keeper Jen Liese (Rushland, Pa./Council Rock) was an All-Patriot League Second-Team pick after leading the Patriot League in saves with 0.62 per match. Liese started 16 of 17 games for the Eagles and will be the foundation for the defense.

American will host Delaware Saturday at 4 p.m. following the men’s soccer team’s 1 p.m. exhibition with William & Mary at Reeves Field. The regular season starts on Aug. 30 against Richmond in the Richmond Tourmanent.