JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – This is the third of a four-part series that will break down the 2014 Carson-Newman men's soccer team position by position. Today's review focuses on the Eagles' defenders with junior center back Rurik Pereira (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).

"This preseason we have had healthy competition with the players," Pereira said. "Everyone is pushing to the limit every day."

Pereira started all 22 matches in which he played. He ended last year with five assists tying him for third on the team overall, and he earned All-SAC honors.

The Lads' defensive line has endured the loss of captain center back Matheus Bachi (Caxias do Sul, Brazil) and fullback Christopher Trejo (Guatemala City, Guatemala), both All-SAC selections following last year's regular season, and team leader on and off the field Trystan Dafydd (Wales).

"I expect that James [Ward] will step up and lead us," Pereira said. "He reminds me a lot of Trystan."

Accompanying Pereira and returning from last season's starting lineup is fullback Duncan Foster (Naphill, High Wycomb, United Kingdom). Foster started in all 23 matches, tallied two assists and finished with a .600 shots-on-goal percentage.

Both Pereira and Foster earned preseason All-Conference honors.

Among the returners is fullback-winger crossbreed Jalen Goddard (Chattanooga, Tenn.). As a freshman, Goddard played in 11 matches, started one, and got one assist.

"Last year it was just me and Bachi at center back," Pereira said, "so there was no space for rest or injury. This year we have really good players. If someone gets injured, they will be replaced at the same level."

Looking to fill the boots of last season's graduated talent are Alexander Naric, Samuel Amure and James Ward.

"We have some really good additions to the team this year," Pereira said. "If we're not the same level as last year, then I think we are better."