Sept. 1, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - The Fordham men's soccer team opens up the 2009 season on Wednesday, September 2, with a 7:00 PM match-up against Hartwick College on Jack Coffey Field.

The Rams look to continue their string of success after making back-to-back appearances at the Atlantic 10 Championship for the first time in program history. Fordham returns the top three scorers from last year with sophomores Aaron Markowitz, Matt Courtenay and Tim Richardson collectively netting 12 of the Rams' 25 goals.

Preseason Accolades: That offensive trio will be joined on the field by freshman Michael Valencia, a 5-10 midfielder from Huntington Station, N.Y. Valencia was named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Rookie Team after an impressive high school career at St. Anthony's where he helped the Friars to a 20-0-1 record and the NSCHSAA Championship after recording seven goals and 11 assists in his senior year.

Joining Valencia with preseason honors is sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Meara. Meara lands on the Preseason All-Conference Team after setting Fordham freshman records for shutouts (8) and goals against average (0.97) while the Yonkers, N.Y. native was named to the Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team last season.

The Captains: Graduate student Chris Paolino and seniors Mike McTigue and Alex Brunbauer will serve as team captains this year. Paolino returns after missing the entire 2008 season because of injury. McTigue has been a staple on Fordham backline over the past two seasons, starting 18 games while ranking second on the team in assists with four in 2008. Brunbauer has started 41 of 46 games he has appeared in over the past three seasons, spending most of his time as a defensive midfielder.

Game Coverage: Follow all the action on GameTracker.

Preseason Rankings: In the Atlantic 10 coaches' preseason poll, the Fordham was selected to finish eighth in the standings.