Aug. 5, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina head men’s soccer coach Mark Berson has announced captains for the 2008 season. Junior midfielder Jeff Scannella and junior defender Mark Wiltse will serve as captains for the Gamecocks this fall.

Scannella, a two-time All-Conference USA honoree, and the 2006 C-USA Freshman of the Year, enters his third season with the Gamecocks this fall. Scannella has been an offensive force during his two seasons in Columbia, leading the team in goals last year (7) while he has amassed 10 goals and seven assists during his career. Scannella earned All-Conference USA First-Team, NSCAA All-South Region Second-Team, TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week, TopDrawerSoccer.com Honorable Mention Team of the Year and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week accolades last season.

Wiltse, also a two-time All-Conference USA performer, was an integral member of the Gamecock defense that allowed just 21 goals, including a league-low seven goals in conference play last year. A 2007 All-Conference USA Third-Team member, Wiltse contributed two goals and two assists from the back line last season and was named to the C-USA Academic Honor Roll and the SEC Academic Honor Roll for his work in the classroom.

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.