Aug. 6, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The 2008 South Carolina men’s soccer recruiting class has been ranked No. 14 in the nation according to CollegeSoccerNews.com, marking the third-consecutive recruiting class ranked among the nation’s top 20 by the organization. The eight-member class features two U-17 U.S. National Team Residency participants, three of the top 25 recruits in the country (Rise Magazine) for 2008, three high school All-Americans, six NSCAA adidas high school all-south region members and one state player of the year.

“We are very pleased with this recruiting class, especially since it follows on the heels of some very good classes before it,” South Carolina head coach Mark Berson said. “This incoming class will provide us with immediate help in some positions and will certainly provide us with some quality players who will see time this year and in the future.”

Additionally, two members of the squad were named to the “Top 100 Freshman To Keep An Eye On In 2008” by CollegeSoccerNews.com. Midfielder David MacVane and defender Danny Cates were each named to the list.

“I think that it is tremendous that both David MacVane and Danny Cates have been recognized as two freshmen to watch in the top 100 prospects in this year’s incoming class,” Berson said. “Both David and Danny have accomplished a lot in their prep careers, and we look forward to their contributions to our program.”

The Gamecocks open their 2008 campaign on Aug. 29, hosting archrival Clemson at Stone Stadium in Columbia. The match is slated to begin at 7 p.m.