Aug. 21, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two publications have honored junior forward Bradlee Baladez and sophomore midfielder Braeden Troyer with preseason accolades. Baladez was named Preseason Third Team All-American by CollegeSoccerNews.com, and Baladez and Troyer were both named to the Conference USA Preseason All-Conference First Team by College Sports Madness.

Baladez paced the Gamecocks during his sophomore campaign in 2011 with seven goals and five assists for 19 points. The Mesquite, Texas, native tallied at least one point in all eight of South Carolina’s Conference USA matches, including two game-winning tallies, at UAB and versus Tulsa. Baladez was also selected to the All-Conference USA First Team in 2011. Thus far in 2012, Baladez tallied both goals in a 2-0 exhibition victory versus Elon.

Troyer quickly emerged as a force in the Gamecock midfield during his freshman campaign in 2011. The Columbia, S.C., native started all 19 matches for the squad, and contributed five goals, which ranked second on the team. He also added two game winners, the first against Marshall followed by the winner on the road at FIU. Troyer tallied eight shots on frame in 2011, with five of those resulting in goals. He was named All-Conference USA Third Team and to the All-Freshman squad following last season. Thus far in 2012, Troyer tallied two goals in a 6-3 exhibition victory against Georgia State.

South Carolina begins the 2012 regular season on Friday when it hosts College of Charleston at 7 p.m. Live stats and free live video will be available for the match.

Season tickets for men’s soccer, which includes admission to all home games, are currently on sale in the Gamecock Ticket Office. Fans can purchase tickets online at GamecocksOnline.com, or by calling 1-800-4SC-FANS. Cost for season tickets for men’s soccer is $25 for adults and $10 for youth (17 and under).