SMU's Ryan Mirsky Named Preseason All-Conference USA
Senior defender honored by league coaches
Dallas (SMU) - Senior defender Ryan Mirsky, a stalwart in the Mustangs' defense over the last three seasons, has been recognized by Conference USA coaches as one of the league's premier players, earning a spot on the Preseason All-Conference USA team.
Mirsky has been a three-year starter for the Mustangs, starting 59 of the 63 games in which he has played for the Ponies, including all 20 games in which he played in 2007. In addition to being a big, physical presence in the back for the Mustangs, he also became more of an offensive threat as a junior, scoring three goals last season.
"This is a nice honor for Ryan, and a very well-deserved honor," SMU head coach Tim McClements said. "Getting singled out by the coaches around Conference USA as one of the best players in our league speaks volumes about the impact he has on games, and about the kind of players we have at SMU."
The Mustangs also were voted to finish second in Conference USA, behind defending champion Tulsa.
SMU, which advanced to the second round of last year's NCAA Tournament, opens the 2008 season Aug. 29 against Old Dominion in the University of Virginia Soccer Classic in Charlottesville, Va. The Mustangs' first home game will be at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 12, against George Mason in the first round of the SMU Mi Cocina Classic. For ticket information and a complete schedule, log on to SMUMustangs.com or call 214-SMU-GAME.