LIVINGSTON – University of West Alabama sophomores Alex Brown, Thibault Charmey and Clay Green were named to the 2013 Preseason All-Gulf South Conference Team in men’s soccer on Thursday. The UWA men’s soccer squad, who is preparing to open its second season this fall, was voted as conference preseason third in the GSC coaches poll.

Brown, Charmey and Green were vital to laying a strong foundation to a young program as freshman. Their efforts have already gained recognition as they are the first UWA men’s soccer players to be named to the Preseason All-Conference list.

“We were really happy to finish 12-6 and with a second seed going into the conference tournament in our first season,” said head coach Matthew Thorne. “We were really happy with what we achieved as a first year program and this year we are hoping we can build on that.’

“This year we are returning a lot of quality players and we think that with the help of our new guys that we can push on for a Gulf South Conference Championship.”

Brown, a native of Essex, England, adds to his individual achievements having earned Second Team All-GSC Honors last season. He tallied three goals as a defender, including one game winning goal while starting in all 19 matches.

“Alex was a rock for us at center-back,” said Thorne. “We defend as a team but Alex does a good job both individually and collectively.”

Charmey, a forward from Paris, France, finished the 2012 season fifth in the conference with six goals. He totaled 15 points with three assists and 2-for-3 in penalty kicks.

“Thibault had a lot of success at center-midfield last year,” Thorne said. “He’s actually played in the national premiere soccer league and was voted into the top 11 players throughout the U.S., so we’re expecting a big year out of him. ”

Green, a forward from Homewood, Ala., was one of the first UWA men’s soccer players to receive First Team All-GSC honors. He led the Tigers in scoring and ended the year as the conference’s second leading scorer with nine goals. He finished third in the GSC in points (21), goals per game (0.47) and game-winning goals (3).

“Clay was in the running for freshman of the year last season, so we are expecting big things from him,” said Thorne.

Freshman Glasgow, Scotland native Kieran Pettigrew and Meridian Community College transfer Traye Torrence have already made an impact on UWA soccer as they were named to the 2013 GSC Top Newcomers list.

“We are expecting Kieran to come in and give us much more depth in the center-midfield,” said Thorne. “He’s got a lot of experience playing in Scotland, so I’m very interested to see how he competes in the Gulf South Conference. Traye also brings with him a lot of experience, and we cannot wait to see what he brings to our attack.”

West Alabama earned respect among conference opponents in its inaugural season as it begins 2013 as conference preseason third according to the GSC Coach’s Poll. West Florida earned the No. 1 position by five more votes, while two-time defending conference champions Christian Brothers claimed the No. 2 spot by three votes.

“The competition is getting stronger in our conference, especially with the additions of Lee, Shorter and Union. Our main goal is to win the conference this season, but it will start with a win against Mississippi College in our first home game.”

Men’s soccer opens against Mississippi College at home on Sept. 6.