Aug. 11, 2008

DAVIS, Calif. - The UC Davis men's soccer team reports for the first day of preseason training Tuesday, August 12 in preparation for the upcoming 2008 season as they begin their second campaign as NCAA Division I and Big West Conference members. The team made history last season when they became the first UC Davis team to qualify for the D-I tournament.

They return all but three starters from last year's team that finished 12-5-3 and second in conference at 7-3-2. The Aggies featured a prolific offense last season and finished the season ranked 9th nationally with 44 goals. The team returns all but one of their offensive weapons.

"I believe the players' goals are to qualify for the Big West Tournament and then hopefully earn a bid into the NCAA tournament," said 12th-year head coach Dwayne Shaffer. "That's always our goal coming into a season. We want to compete for postseason play. We encourage soccer fans to come out and support us this season and watch some exciting soccer in the process."

UC Davis plays Chico State in an exhibition game at Aggie Soccer Stadium on Aug. 24 at 11 a.m. The Aggies officially begin the season by hosting the Copa de Causeway tournament August 29 and 31.