Colgate

HAMILTON, N.Y. (8/30/10) – Colgate men’s soccer standout Jeff leach (New Canaan, Conn.) has been selected as the 2010 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by the Patriot League in its preseason poll, voted by head coaches and sports information directors.

Leach, a senior defender for the Raiders, was chosen after his impressive performance during the 2009 season in which he was named to the 2009 all-Patriot League first team and the 2009 NSCAA/Adidas All-Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team.

"It is a well deserved honor for Jeff,” stated head coach Erik Ronning. “His passion, competitiveness, and tenacity transcend to the rest of the team, and raise the level for the entire group."

Along with the individual award, the Raiders were picked to finish fourth in the poll with 63 points, which has them tied with American. Both teams were voted behind Lafayette (65 pts), Lehigh (68 pts) and defending champions, Bucknell (98 pts).

Colgate will begin its 2010 season on the road this weekend at the Lafayette Classic in Easton, Pa.

Patriot League Preseason Poll Results

School - Pts. (first-place votes)
1. Bucknell – 98 (14)
2. Lehigh – 68 (1)
3. Lafayette – 65 (1)
4. American – 63
    Colgate – 63
5. Holy Cross – 41
6. Navy – 35
7. Army – 15

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year – Kyle Miller, Holy Cross
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year – Jeff Leach, Colgate