Aug. 20, 2003

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland State men's soccer team is continuing preseason training camp this week in preparation for the Aug. 29 season opener against Temple. Head coach Pete Curtis' squad opened camp Aug. 12 and has seen plenty of progress during two-a-days over the past week.

"I'm very pleased with the attitude and work ethic of this year's team," Curtis said. "The players are receptive to our goals coaching-wise, now we just need to get out against some live competition."

The Vikings return six starters and nine lettermen from last year's team that finished 10-11 overall and 5-2 in the league. Headlining the returnees is Horizon League first-team member and league Newcomer of the Year, Stephen Ademolu. Ademolu led the Vikings in scoring with 27 points on 11 goals and five assists a year ago.

Cleveland State has added nine newcomers to the roster this fall, including five transfers. Among the top newcomers is David Preseren from Kirtland, Ohio, and David Stewart from Ingleside, Tex., both of whom could find their way into the starting lineup against Temple. The group gives Curtis one of the youngest teams in the Horizon League, which has the fourth-year mentor keeping expectations and pressures modest.

"We'd just like to see the team improve with each game," Curtis said. "Our goal is to host a Horizon League quarterfinal match by finishing in the top half of the conference. That would be a strong accomplishment for this team."

Cleveland State was picked to finish fifth in the league's preseason poll, which was released on Monday. The Vikings received one first-place vote, and were just one point behind Wright State for fourth place.