Six Billikens Elected to All A-10 Preseason Team

The preseason accolades continue for SLU soccer. A week after Robert Kristo and Anthony Manning were named to the Hermann Watch list, for the top player in the country, both joined four more teammates on the A-10 preseason all conference team. With six selections, the Billikens lead the league. With 3 days until the season begins, this final preseason preview breaks down the six all-conference players that will make up the core of the Billikens team this year.

Robert Kristo (Senior Forward) After a career year that placed him as a semifinalist for the Hermann trophy, Kristo looks to have his  best season yet. Coach McGinty says Robert “makes the entire group better because he is a winner.” After leading the team in points during his first three college seasons, that statement is unquestionably true. Along with once again being named to the Hermann trophy watch list, Kristo was named A-10 preseason offensive player of the year.

Anthony Manning (Senior Defender) After missing some time last year with an injury, the lengthy defender is looking to rebound for a career year. Manning joins Kristo on the Hermann watch list, and has also been named A-10 preseason defensive player of the year. At 6’4″, Manning brings height and strength to the Billikens’ back line. As well, Manning’s defensive presence will help the transition to an inexperienced goalkeeper this season.

Kingsley Bryce (Senior Midfield) Playing alongside an explosive offensive player like Robert Kristo has its benefits and its downsides. For one part, it takes away some shots. On the other hand, it distracts defenders and gives better opportunities to score. The latter was truest for Bryce in 2013. Converting on 8 of 30 shots, Bryce had the best shooting percentage on the Billikens, making 26.7% of shots. As Kristo’s offensive presence continues to mature, more shots will open up for Kingsley Bryce. Expect big things.

David Graydon (Junior Midfield) After an average start last season, the Irish native picked up steam towards the end of the season. After assisting in the A-10 quarterfinal match against UMASS, Graydon converted on a goal and assisted on the game winning goal in the A-10 semifinal against La Salle. Second on the team with 7 assists a season ago, Graydon is the key to finding Kristo and Bryce for open shorts in the final third.

Raymond Lee (Senior Midfield) Another strong midfielder, Lee helps the Billiken’s argument for best attack in college soccer. SLU was 6th in the nation last year in scoring, and only lost one of their top 5 scorers from 2013. Lee, the 5th leading scorer, recorded 4 goals and an assist last season. With increased attention to Kristo, look for more opportunities to open up for Lee, leading to his best season yet.

Tyler David (Junior Defender) After finishing 3rd in the conference in fewest goals allowed last season, Tyler David and the Billiken’s back line are looking to prove their worth again this season. Noted earlier, Senior Anthony Manning will lead the defense. However, Juniors like Tyler David add experience and quickness. Starting 21 games alongside fellow defenders Marco Heskamp and Julian Gieseke breeds unity that Billiken fans hope will create the strongest defense in the conference.