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Lees-McRae Men’s Soccer: Bobcat Trio Hits Their Stride in Premier Development League This Summer

June 21, 2013. Thomas Rusling (Sheffield, England), James Smith (Eastbourne, England), and James Galvani (High Wycombe, England) have represented the Lees-McRae College men’s soccer team with several marquee performances in the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League this summer, combining for seven points and a pair of victories through the first month of the season. 

imgresRusling has put together a pair of outstanding outings for the Carolina Dynamo, earning the victory in each of his two appearances, while keeping a clean sheet with five saves against Northern Virginia on May 18. The two-time all-region selection then added  second straight win with four saves against West Virginia Chaos on June 11.

Smith has quickly made his mark for the Dynamo as well, posting five points in five matches, including march-winner against the Chaos. A native of Eastbourne, England, Smith also added an assist in the Dynamo’s 5-0 victory over Southern West Virginia this past Saturday, feeding Alex Martinez for the third goal of the match in the 41st minute. Smith is currently tied for second on the team in points, goals and assists. 

Galvani got off to a flying start to the season in his first appearance, finding the back of the net against Forest City on May 22, knotting the score at 1-1 in the 23rd minute. The three-time all-Conference Carolinas selection has appeared in each of the Lynx’s six matches this season, logging 438 minutes. 

Both the Dynamo and the Lynx return to the pitch this weekend, with the Dynamo hosting SC United on Saturday and the Lynx welcoming K-W United to town on Sunday.