Incarnate Word's James Nero is predicted to be the best defensive player in the upcoming Lone Star Conference men's soccer season.
That word came out of the league's annual media conference as LSC coaches, officials and media representatives made their choices as to who would be the recognized players at the end of the 2012 season. At the same time the vote was announced for a predicted finish to the season; who would win the title.
Nero will be a junior at UIW this fall and is from Charlotte, N.C. Out of his backline position a year ago he was instrumental in the Cardinals reaching the third level of playoffs in the NCAA's Division II. UIW was 14-3-3 overall as Nero and his mates posted 10 shutouts during the year. He also scored a pair of goals for the Cardinals.
Midwestern State midfielder David Freeland was named pre-season offensive player of the year.
In the voting for a potential champion Incarnate Word was placed in the second spot behind Midwestern State which received seven of the possible 10 first-place votes. UIW got the other three.
West Texas A&M is said to be third with defending champion Eastern New Mexico coming in fourth or last.
2010 LSC PRE-SEASON POLL
NO TEAM 1ST PLACE VOTES POINTS
1) Midwestern State 7 35
2) Incarnate Word 3 29
3) West Texas A&M 20
4) Eastern New Mexico 16
