October 21, 2008

BRANDON MILLER, COLONIAL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MEN’S SOCCER Co-ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Brandon Miller was a long time South Charlotte Soccer Association player

Brandon Miller, freshman goalkeeper at University of North Carolina Wilmington, was today named CAA Co-Rookie of the week. Miller was a long time player for SCSA and last year played in the inaugural year of the prestigious Under 17/18 US Soccer Developmental Academy. He recorded his first career shutout to lead UNC Wilmington to a 1-0 road victory at Virginia Commonwealth University last Wednesday. The freshman goalkeeper made a career-high six saves as the Seahawks posted their first regular-season win over the Rams since 1996. Philip Poole, his goalkeeper coach at SCSA commented, "Brandon has a bright playing future ahead of him. After attracting attention from professional clubs in Europe during his final academy season I think he has ended up in the best possible place at UNCW playing for Coach Heaney".

With all teams having played six of their 11 CAA matches, the conference race is extremely tight. UNC Wilmington and Northeastern are tied atop the standings with 12 points, but eight others teams are within five points of the co-leaders. Drexel is third with 11 points, followed by Old Dominion with 10 and a three-way tie for fifth between James Madison, VCU and William & Mary with nine points. Aidan Heaney, head coach at UNCW, said, "Brandon plays with such composure for a freshman. He made three saves that were excellent, but his overall presence and kicking were very good, and he managed the game for us back there. Unfortunately he strained his quad at the end of the game, so we hope to have him back soon." UNC Wilmington is also ranked #9 in the latest NSCAA South Atlantic rankings.

Brad Wylde, the Executive Director for SCSA praised Brandon for his achievements saying, "Brandon was a huge asset to our Academy program last year. We are so happy that he has continued his successes at the next level. All of us at SCSA are really proud of his achievements."

UNC Wilmington is now 7-7 overall, 4-2-0 in CAA play. The Seahawks vaulted into a tie for first place after back-to-back 1-0 victories over VCU and Towson. Junior Caito Heiland recorded the game-winning goal at VCU, scoring from 25 yards out just 16 seconds into the second half. As mentioned previously freshman keeper Brandon Miller made a career-high six saves and posted his first career shutout versus the Rams. UNCW travels to William & Mary and Delaware this week. For more information go to www.uncw.edu .

In SCSA news, the Boys' college night will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Uptown Charlotte on Monday November 3, 2008 at 7pm. The U15 through U18 boys' teams start training the weekend of November 8th and 9th and the US Developmental Academy U15/16 and U17/18 teams start the week of November 10, 2008. For more details go to www.southcharlottesoccer.com .