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Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
Men's Soccer Opens Season at FDU on Saturday
September 03, 2010 | Men's Soccer
PRINCETON, N.J. (9/3/10) - The Princeton men's soccer team opens the 2010 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Fairleigh Dickinson. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m., in Teaneck, N.J.
The Tigers return nine starters from a 2009 squad that went 9-6-3 overall and finished third in the Ivy League with a 4-2-1 mark. Princeton earned an at-large bid to the 2009 NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2001, and was awarded home advantage in the first round. The team lost just four seniors from that squad and brings in seven newcomers. Princeton is ranked No. 27 in both the College Soccer News and Top Draw Soccer Preseason National Polls.
Returning to the front line is the team's leading scorer from 2009 and first-team All-Ivy selection, junior Antoine Hoppenot. Sophomore Matt Sanner, who finished third on the team in points, will join him. The defense returns mainly intact with senior captain Sean Lynch in goal. In front of Lynch the Tigers have three All-Ivy League options with sophomore Mark Linville, junior Benjamin Burton and senior Josh Walburn. In addition seniors Teddy Schneider and Tim Sedwitz have proven their worth to the defense. Walburn could also be used in the midfield along with seniors Brandon Busch and Max Hare, juniors Manny Sardinha and Colby Hahn and sophomore Lester Nare.
FDU opened its season on Wednesday with a 3-1 win over Manhattan. The Knights outshot Manhattan 26-15, putting 15 shots on goal to Manhattan's eight. Senior forward Samson Malijani is back after sitting out last year with an injury. In 2008 the All-America striker ranked second in the nation in goals and points per game. Along with the NEC Rookie of the Year Dominic Reinold, FDU's strength is up front. Junior Jason Wells is the team leader in the back, while the staff selected freshman Jacob Lissek as its keeper in the opening game.