Aug. 23, 2001

NKU FACES NO. 21 TRUMAN STATE SATURDAY

Norse open season against nationally rated Truman State

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer team will open the season this Saturday at noon when the Norse play host to Truman State University at the Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Ky. NKU posted a 7-12 overall record last season and finished 6-5 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Truman State, which is ranked No. 21 nationally in the NCAA Division II poll, posted an 11-6-2 record a year ago. NKU met Truman State last season on a neutral field in St. Louis, Mo., and the Bulldogs posted a 5-0 win over the Norse. Two years ago, Truman State defeated NKU, 7-0, at Kirksville, Mo. NKU returns seven starters, including four of the top five scorers. The Norse also add an impressive recruiting class that could provide immediate help. Junior forward Jeff Anderson led NKU in scoring a year ago with nine goals and six assists. Junior fullback Tony Becker also returns after scoring four goals last season. Newcomers Joaquin Palomeque, Eric Kleiman and Daniel Grundei will also help this year. Palomeque, a forward, was a second team junior college All-American at Cincinnati State two years ago who sat out as a redshirt last season. Kleiman was one of the area’s top prep players last year at St. Henry High School and scored 21 goals as a senior. Senior Kevin Crone, one of the GLVC’s best defensive players, will move from sweeper to the midfield this season. Crone had six goals a year ago. NKU will also meet Rockhurst (Mo.) University at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Town & Country Sports Complex.